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L-R: Dr Ayodele Teriba, CEO, Economic Associates, Lagos, and guest speaker; Prof. (Mrs) Mbang N.Femi-Oyewo, chairman, BOF-PSN; and Pharm. Lekan Asuni, chairman BOF-PSN 2020 Mid-Year Meeting Planning Committee at the 2nd Public Lecture of the BOF-PSN, held at Shoregate Hotels, GRA , Ikeja, Lagos recently. FIP charges national governments on resolving global medicine shortages - Establishes antimicrobial commission By Temitope Obayendo he International would enhance equitable access to It further encouraged Pharmaceutical Federation medicines for their citizens. countries to develop evidence- T(FIP) has directed national The global pharmaceutical body based risk mitigation strategies, leaders and governments across made the decision at the recent which it said, might include the globe to, as a matter of FIP World Congress held virtually, contingency plans, pandemic urgency, embark on investigation urging governments to instruct planning and capacity and implementation of strategies medicine regulatory authorities to redundancy, appropriate to their to mitigate global medicine investigate and develop proposals national needs and strategic shortages, noting that doing so on resolving the challenge. continued on page 21

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 1 9/29/2020 6:47:28 AM 2 Personality of the Month Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 harm. (Chief), Emeka Adimoha, an astute, self-driven and resourceful professional, is a 1995 graduate of PPharmacy, from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi FPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FNAPPSA, FNIM Born 8 August 1972 Publisher Adimoha, a high chief 08033015991 with a rich cultural background, hails from Dozie David Atueyi Ebenasaa Autonomous Executive Editor 07038576107 Community in Orsu Local Government Area Patrick Iwelunmor of Imo State. Editor Since his 08135439281 graduation at age 23, he has had a notable Ola Aboderin Sub-Editor career in the pharmacy 07033179360 profession, spanning the hospital, community Moses Dike and industrial areas Business Development Manager of practice. He is 08028396755 also much at home Temitope Obayendo in the production Online Editor and regulatory 08026748215 environment. Currently, he is doing a postgraduate programme Adebayo Oladejo in Drug Design and Development. This is in addition to Senior Reporter 08037648465 a production training in tableting, hard and soft gelatin capsule manufacturing, which he underwent in Indonesia, Ranmilowo Ojalumo in 2016. Reporter Adimoha worked as a locum pharmacist at Tonyson 08057700863 Pharmacy & Stores Limited, Ebute-Metta (1997 –1998); Matthew Anani production manager, Ugolabs productions, Kano (1999 – Advert Manager 2003); production manager, PZ Industries PLC (Roberts 08038572215 Pharmaceuticals; 2003–2006), and pioneer production manager, OrangeKalbe Industries Ltd (2006 – 2009). He is currently the superintendent pharmacist Peter Ogbonna and a director at Shalina Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Advert Executive 08137814813 where he has helped in birthing the multimillion dollar Shalina Pharma manufacturing plant currently under Elizabeth Amuneke construction. Admin. Manager Adimoha is a member of the Pharmaceutical Society 08057235128 of Nigeria (PSN) and the Association of Industrial Chinedu Udeanyim Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP). He currently serves as the Accountant national treasurer of NAIP after serving as its director of 07066300374 programmes (2013 -2017). He is also a member of the Nigeria Finance Council and an associate member of the Chiazor Juliet Okeke Institute of Cost Management. Subscription Officer Adimoha is a 2019 NAIP Eminent Persons awardee. By 08134835525 his professionalism and mentoring, he has inspired and Inspiration Solomon Ojigbo supported a number of pharmacists, while some are still IT Officer being mentored, including two from his family. Adimoha “No one achieves 08104754846 is also a recipient of Outstanding Leadership Award from The important thing is greatness by becoming the Nigeria Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists to find your true source Omolola Famodun a generalist. You don’t Digital Marketing Executive (NAFTraPH). of inspiration and to hone a skill by diluting 09025637371 As a testimony to his active membership and remain focused in the your attention to its contributions to the society, he has received several achievement of your development. The only Andy Benson-Idima awards and recognitions, including Award of Excellence goals. - Sara Wellington way to get to the next Graphic Artist from Lagos Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women 08037151780 level is focus.” - John C. Organisation (LACCWO), Award of Excellence from Cherish your visions Maxwell Nigerian Red Cross Society CKC Detachment and a High and your dreams, as they CORRESPONDENCE: Chieftaincy title from his hometown, among others. are the children of your “With greater All correspondence on editorial Adimoha enjoys travelling, reading and brainstorming. soul, the blueprints of your matters should be directed to: He is happily married with children. confidence in yourself The Editor:-08135439281 ultimate achievements. - and your abilities, you Napoleon Hill Enquiries on advertisements will set bigger goals, should be directed to: The make bigger plans Advert Manager-08038572215 “You can’t hit a target and commit yourself to Only NAFDAC- approved advert Celebrating unless you are aiming for materials are accepted . achieving objectives that it, and you can’t achieve a today you only dream SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION goal without having it.” - about.” - Brian Tracy 1. Subscription rate for 12 editions is Shawn Doyle N10,000 including postage within Nigeria. 4141 YearsYears 2. Single copy costs =N=1,000.00 (without “There is only one postage) of Uninterrupted “People who achieve person with whom to 3. Payment to be made directly to Zenith their goals do so with compete and that is Bank Plc. A/c No: 1010701673 passion, planning, 4. You can also pay through portal, simply Monthly Publication yourself. Keep aiming to visit: http://login.remita.net/remita/ persistence and purpose.” surpass your own best external/PHARMANEWS/collector/ - Lynda Field 5. After payment text us the bank deposit (1979 - 2020) performance and ever strive to reach higher slip number, your full name, contact address “The easiest way to and e-mail. No one regrets advertising in Pharmanews levels.” - Norman For subscription enquiry, call 08134835525 set goals is to answer the Vincent Peale ISSN 0331-815X following questions: What Pharmanews Limited is it I want to achieve? “Investing in yourself 8 Akinwunmi Street, Mende, follow us on linkedin @Pharmanews limited When do I want to achieve Maryland, Lagos is the best investment you P.O.Box 2213, Ikeja like us on facebook.com/pharmanewsltd it? Where am I today and will ever make. It will not Tel: 08057235128, 08055212962. what action do I need to follow us on twitter@pharmanewsltd only improve your life, it E-mail: [email protected], take to achieve my goal?” will improve the lives of [email protected] - Catherine Pulsifer Website: www.pharmanewsonline.com follow us on instagram.com/pharmanewsltd. all those around you.” ― Robin Sharma Pharmanews Facts 1. PN is the leading healthcare journal in Nigeria. 2. PN has been published monthly without interruption since 1979. 3. 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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 2 9/29/2020 6:47:39 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 } Editorial 3

fter initially testing the of school managements, parents waters with the approved Schools reopening: A and the students themselves. It Aresumption of students will also involve an integrated in exit classes on 4 August, the approach, comprising critical federal government eventually dicey expediency components such as continued gave approval for the reopening sensitisation and monitoring of schools and other learning to ensure that schools do not facilities in the country. This was government was predicated on breach necessary safety rules after shutting down educational and the United Child Nations for any reason. These rules the dwindling figures of new Children’s Fund (UNICEF) institutions across the country COVID-19 infections in the include physical distancing earlier in March to curb the jointly expressed support measures, such as staggering country, we believe that there for the reopening of schools. spread of the COVID-19 is a more serious justification the beginning and end of the pandemic. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO school day, cancelling school that borders on safeguarding Regional Director for Africa, Announcing the reopening the future of these young minds, events that create crowding, and during a briefing on 3 September, said: “We must not be blind- spacing desks; providing hand and the nation as a whole. sided by our efforts to contain the National Coordinator of Indeed, while calls from medical washing facilities; enforcing the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and end up with a lost wearing of masks; discouraging experts and other concerned generation.” Similarly, UNICEF COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, said the individuals and groups against unnecessary touching; and task force had recommended Regional Director for Eastern ensuring that sick students and the announced reopening and Southern Africa, Mohamed phased return of students. seemed germane - considering teachers stay at home. Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikwe M. Malick Fall, warned: “The It is our view that enforcing that the coronavirus is still very long-term impact of extending International Airport, Abuja, much on rampage – it must be and monitoring compliance Aliyu also said, “However, we the school shutdown risks ever with these guidelines will emphasised that the prolonged greater harm to children, their strongly recommend that states stay at home was beginning to guarantee safe teaching and conduct a risk assessment future and their communities.” learning amidst the coronavirus cause some other severe harms It is necessary to to ensure all schools are at a to the children, their families challenge. As Mr Boss Mustapha, level of compliance and create emphasise, however, that now Secretary to the Government and their tutors. that the majority of the scholars a monitoring mechanism to Several reports have of the Federation (SGF) and assess, create, and monitor this are back to their classes, all Chairman, Presidential Task confirmed that within the period stakeholders in the educational level of preparedness.” of the school closure, there Force (PTF) on COVID-19, The government also gave sector must bear in mind that recently warned, government at was an alarming upsurge in the reopening of schools is not comprehensive guidelines on juvenile delinquencies, sexual all levels and other stakeholders such reopening to ensure the a better alternative but a lesser in the education sector must be exploitation of girls and young of two evils. As reports continue protection of learners, teachers, women, teenage pregnancies, guided by experiences from education personnel and their to show, the virus that causes countries such as Germany, early marriages, and child COVID-19 is still a major threat families, as well as to restore labour. Parents were also having France, the United States, and pre-pandemic capacities. Since in the country. Therefore, efforts the UK where the opening of an excruciating time coping must be taken by the government then, many of such institutions of with the excesses and risky schools in some cities led to an learning have reopened across and education authorities across increase in confirmed cases and behaviours that naturally ensue the country to ensure strict the country and educational from the unfettered exuberance fatalities. All hands must be on activities have resumed in compliance with the guidelines deck to ensure that no state or of their youngsters. stipulated for the reopening. earnest. It was in consideration of community in Nigeria suffers While it would appear that Achieving this compliance the same fate. these factors that both the World will require enlisting the support this audacious decision by the Health Organisation (WHO)

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 3 9/29/2020 6:47:44 AM } 4 }Reflection Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 God wants you rich By Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi he question has often been the desires of thine heart.” We asked by people of God as to can expect to have our desires Twhether God wants us rich or met as long as our first desire is to not. I believe that the answer we please God. give ourselves to this important question determines how our lives Secret of Riches are influenced financially. First, The big question is how what does it mean to be rich? are Christians redeemed from In this context, it means to have poverty? One verse of the Scripture God’s power and favour to meet makes it very clear. 2 Corinthians any need. It means that God will 8:9 says, “For ye know the grace meet any need we have, including of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, spiritual, physical and material though he was rich, yet for your needs. sakes he became poor, that ye We enjoy complete prosperity through his poverty might be OUR PARTNERS or abundance when we have all rich.” Adler Products Ltd our needs and not just some of It is vital Agewell Healthcare Ltd. them met. Being rich does not that Christians Alpha Pharmacy and Stores Ltd Artemis Life Sciences mean accumulation of material understand and Association of Industrial Pharmacist of Nigeria (NAIP) things or living an extravagant believe this message Azbil Telstar life. Philippians 4:19, which we of prosperity. BG Pharma & Healthcare Ldt often quote, has a wonderful Understanding, Biomedial Ltd promise of God supplying believing and acting Bond Chemical Ind. Ltd Business School Netherlands Nigeria (BSN) all our needs. 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On Poverty is a product of sin which Pinnacle Health Pharmaceutical the other hand, a healthy man who Jesus took upon Himself. Deut. Ranbaxy Nigeria Ltd Sagar Vitaceuticals Nigeria Ltd is saved and yet homeless and 28:47, 48(NKJ) says, “Because Shalina Healthcare Nigeria Ltd starving is not rich either. you did not serve the LORD your Six Direct Nigeria Ltd God does not just promise to God joyfully and gladly in the Superior Pharmaceuticals Ltd meet some of our needs but all our time of prosperity, therefore in Swiss Pharma Nig Ltd needs. What are your own needs? hunger and thirst, in nakedness Therapeutic Laboratories (Nig.) Ltd Trinity University Just believe God’s promise to meet and dire poverty, you will serve Taylek Drugs Company Ltd those needs, as long as you satisfy the enemies the LORD sends Unique Pharmaceuticals Ltd the conditions because most of against you.” Vixa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd God’s promises are conditional. Christ took on these curses They are not free-for-all. because on the cross he was Thanks for your patronage There is another truth about hungry, thirsty, and naked. In having our needs met. In Matthew John 19:28, He cried out, “I am 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek ye thirsty”. The soldiers stripped first the kingdom of God and him of his clothes and He was his righteousness; and all these naked. Therefore, we should not Take advantage of our underlisted “Disease of the Month” feature things shall be added unto you.” suffer the curse of poverty again. articles to advertise your products. Those things to be added include As earlier said, this promise DISEASE OF THE MONTH FOR 2020 food, drinks, clothes, houses, is conditional. The promise is cars, and any other things you actually for those who have MONTH DISEASE actually need and not your wants. received Jesus Christ as their NOVEMBER Diabetes God wants us to focus on His will Saviour and Lord and believe that for our lives. If we take care of He is the Son of God. It is not for DECEMBER HIV/AIDS & STD God’s business, He will take care those who merely confess Jesus is Pharmanews Limited E-mail: [email protected], of our business. Psalm 37:4 says, 8 Akinwunmi Street, Mende, [email protected] Lord because mere confession is Maryland, Lagos,P.O.Box 2213, Ikeja Website: www.pharmanewsonline.com “Delight thyself also in the not enough. You must believe in Tel: 08055212962. LORD; and he shall give thee your heart.

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 4 9/29/2020 6:47:53 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Selling Champion } 5 Organisational culture surpasses vision By George O. Emetuche “Culture is much more important than vision. Some leaders have great a vision but have created a toxic culture and vigorously. This is how to succeed as a people. where that vision will never happen.” - Phil Cooke I often recommend that organisations should ensure that ause for a while and read the Crux of the matter they harmonise their vision and opening quote once more. The problem, most times, culture in a way that everyone PAs businesses and activities may not be in what we see can see and understand the try to return to normalcy - after (vision) but in what we do bigger picture. When there is the lockdown - it is imperative (culture). A lot of folks have the harmony in these constructs, that we discuss this important ability to create a great vision then the organisation is on the topic that dwells on vision and but lack the ability to ensure the right path. culture. The topic is broad right culture that will make the Business leaders should because it affects all facets in vision happen. This is the crux invest efforts in building winning the organisation. It touches sales of the matter. This is the bane organisational cultures. This is Be outstanding in the and marketing, human resources of development in Nigeria. This a vital assignment. When the marketplace. and administration, production, is why we have great vision of vision is crystal clear and the finance, maintenance and so being the giant of Africa but right culture is in place, then the The time is always right to on. Once you fix organisational have failed to actualise it. organisation is set to win. do the right thing. culture, you fix a lot of things in Nations and business Organisations that have the the organisation. organisations that want to be right culture in place will bounce George O. Emetuche, CES, Culture encompasses the outstanding must develop the back stronger and better in the is a Brian Tracy endorsed ideas, customs and social right culture. The right culture post COVID-19 marketplace. bestselling author, accredited behaviours of a people. Culture develops the right people and training consultant, life coach, includes beliefs, capabilities, the right people ensure that the Build a winning culture sales and marketing expert. laws and habits of individuals in vision is pursued intelligently Define a great vision. a group. Therefore organisational culture includes values and behaviours that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of a business. Organisational culture influences the way people interact, the context in which knowledge is shared and the attitude of people to changes. Organisational culture represents collective values, beliefs and principles of organisational members. Flamholtz and Randle (2011) suggest that one can view organisational culture as corporate personality. They see organisation culture as consisting of values, norms and beliefs which influence the behaviour of people as members of an organisation. From the definition of culture, you will agree that it is deeply rooted in beliefs, values, capabilities, norms, and laws. These elements are the ingredients that make or mar a people. Once there are errors in these elements, then there will be serious issues. Vision is a destination. Vision defines direction; it is what you see. Culture is not what you see, it is what you do and how you do it. The factor that gives results is not necessarily what we see. What we see is important, but the main element that ensures results is what we do. Action is eloquence, so says William Shakespeare. As a business and management scholar, I know the importance of vision. In fact, I have written a lot on vision, mission, goals and objectives. But in all these, I strongly believe that nothing works when beliefs, behaviours, capabilities, laws and habits are on the wrong side. When these elements are in the wrong direction, they simply create a wrong environment. If you have the best vision in the world but have a wrong environment, then you need a miracle to achieve your vision!

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 5 9/29/2020 6:48:03 AM 6 Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Food, mood and the cognitive process with generous experiential this second part of the journey. For exemplifications of a man who, earlier in the journey, Patrick Iwelunmor this reality from one’s had been throwing verbal jibes at anyone who dared to criticise Tel:08135439281 association with school Email: [email protected] children. his driving, to suddenly simmer down, we knew that something had nhealthy eating patterns in the morning, especially for I have also had reasons to tampered with the flow of blood are very common in Africa, office people and students who suspect that some of the accidents to his brain. The digestive process Udespite the abundance of deploy most of this time to highly that happen along our expressways had taken a toll on him and like a nutritious grains, tubers, fruits and intellectual activities during the are caused by the habit of heavy python, which had swallowed a vegetables. Illiteracy, coupled with productive hours of the day. eating amongst drivers, especially cow, he needed some metabolic poverty, makes many people on Having heavy meals in the those driving trucks and other reprieve to be able to gather the continent to consume all sorts morning can hamper concentration, heavy-duty vehicles. I recently himself together. of unwholesome concoctions in thereby triggering confusion and raised very serious concerns Wikipedia aptly provides a the name of foods and soups, not a distorted cognition. Though during the course of a journey I had physiological explanation for our minding the neurobiological and scientists and medical researchers undertaken from Lagos to Benin. As driver’s condition: “In response to psychological implications of their are not unanimous in accepting soon as we arrived in Ore, where the arrival of food in the stomach actions. the link between food, mood and drivers usually make a stopover and small intestine, the activity Important food nutrients their impact on cognition, doctors for refreshment and refuelling, of the parasympathetic nervous have been proven to affect brain and nutritionists seem to agree I was shocked by the volume of system increases and the activity chemistry, by impacting mood, that there is indeed a significant food on the table of our driver, who of the sympathetic nervous memory and cognitive functions. link between them. The term was obviously battling obesity. system decreases. This shift in the Blood sugar fluctuations and postprandial stupor or somnolence He had almost eight wraps of fufu balance of autonomic tone towards nutritional imbalances also result best captures the scenario. right in front of him as he heaped the parasympathetic system results from eating indiscretions. Distorted cognition, caused them each upon the other to form in a subjective state of low energy In Nigeria, for instance, the by heavy eating, may lead to life- a mountain. In a matter of minutes, and a desire to be at rest, the term “swallow” refers to meals threatening situations. One can that mountain was demolished in a opposite of the fight-or-flight state that are made from ground grains hypothetically put forward the stream of ogbono soup. induced by high sympathetic tone. and eaten with assorted soup. argument that people, like teachers As a passenger, I was disturbed The larger the meal, the greater The heaviness of this type of who require a lot of brain work, because I knew the remaining part the shift in autonomic tone towards meal has an almost immediate cannot afford to eat anyhow, lest they of that journey would be a horror. the parasympathetic system, effect on both the metabolic and suffer spontaneous mood swings Though we managed to get to regardless of the composition of cognitive processes, as more that could result in total breakdown Benin, our driver was slower and the meal.” metabolic activities are directed of pedagogical communication drove at an almost snail-paced As controversial as this topic to the stomach region, causing the between them and their students. speed, much to the consternation may be - even amongst scientists cognitive process to slow down. The same is applicable to students of the passengers. Our vigilance themselves - the intention is to show This explains why people sitting for exams. Eating heavy is throughout this second half of the that there are still a few more things sleep or feel drowsy after heavy the worst thing that can happen journey kept him going, although the Federal Road Safety Corps can meals like eba and egusi or fufu to them. Any food that impairs there were moments when he do, through public enlightenment and vegetable. It is therefore a their concentration or that almost dozed off. (in collaboration with other relevant very fundamental rule to observe induces the feeling of drowsiness Unsurprisingly, even the agencies), to safeguard the lives of the culture of having light meals is not ideal for them. There are driver’s words were fewer within Nigerians who eat in motion.

Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 6 9/29/2020 6:48:13 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }News 7 BOF-PSN seeks national policy framework on drug security By Temitope Obayendo he Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society Tof Nigeria (BOF-PSN) has stressed the need for the formulation of a national policy framework for ensuring drug and health security, as well as economic development. The group urged all pharmacists and Fellows of the PSN to rise to the occasion by playing their key roles in nation building, especially during such a critical period as the ongoing pandemic. Chairman, BOF-PSN, Prof. (Mrs) Mbang N. Femi- Oyewo, led the call at the 2nd Public Lecture organised virtually by the Board recently. She said: “As a profession, we play a key role in the economy of Nigeria. The pharmaceutical industry and indeed pharmacists contribute to the country’s revenue through our products and services to the entire healthcare sector. “Policy framework that will ensure development of drug/ health security, economic growth and others must be in place. As Fellows and elders of the profession, it is therefore Dr Ayodele Teriba, CEO, Economic Associates Lagos and guest speaker; and Prof. Mbang N. important to understand our Femi- Oyewo, chairman, BOF-PSN, at the BOF-PSN 2nd Public Lecture, transmitted virtually roles and consciously take up from Shoregate Hotels, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, recently. the responsibility. Opening the lecture, Femi- Oyewo said: “I welcome everyone and wish you all an insightful lecture as we formulate/identify solid policy framework for the development of our great nation, amidst current global challenges and even future challenges.” Speaking on the theme of the public lecture, “Policy Framework for National Development Amidst Current Global Challenges: Whither Nigeria?”, the guest speaker, Dr Ayodele Teriba, CEO, Economic Associates Lagos, recommended that Nigeria must reorder economic policy priorities to experience growth. The international scholar and multiple award winner further stated that in order to restore growth and stability to the economy, which has hitherto been nosediving, Nigeria must ensure adequate internal and external liquidity. Teriba sub-divided the theme into four parts, namely: “Global Realities - COVID-19 pandemic intensifies the twin- A cross-section of the planning committee members of the BOF 2nd Public Lecture, gluts; National Realities- It is high transmitted virtually from Shoregate Hotels, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. time we changed the narratives; Policy Challenges: liquidity- growth-stability nexus - getting enhance economic growth. provides the Board of Fellows of its kind in the series of the the level of liquidity ‘right’; and “Nigeria should look at of the Pharmaceutical Society of Board’s Annual Public Lecture.” Liquidity Tailwinds - global and assets development, because Nigeria an opportunity to shape Some of the dignitaries domestic silver linings.” we are very rich in assets; but and contribute to discourse on in attendance at the virtual He identified the lack of we are neglecting them. If we contemporary issues of national meeting were : PSN President, pharmaceutical remedy as a recognise Diaspora as an asset interest. Pharm. (Mazi) Sam Ohuabunwa; major concern in the COVID-19 class, we should invest in them, Chairman of Anambra State outbreak, as it made the world because global liberalisation “The current pandemic Traditional Council and Trustee, revert to non-pharmaceutical is a megawave which we can’t situation has significantly National Traditional Rulers’ remedies, like the use of resist,” he quipped. impacted several sectors of Council, His Royal Majesty, facemasks and other personal Earlier in his welcome the economy including our Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu protective equipment to flatten address, Chairman, BOF-PSN everyday life. Therefore, we Achebe, Obi of Onitsha; the curve. 2020 Mid-Year Meeting Planning have carefully chosen the theme NAFDAC Director General, He advised those at the Committee, Pharm. Lekan Asuni of this year’s lecture. Prof. Moji Adeyeye; Pharm. helm of affairs to identify explained the essence of the “The planning started in late (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi, publisher, national assets that could be public lecture, saying it provides 2019 and the initial plan was to Pharmanews; Distinguished Prof. invested in, such as people, BOF an avenue to discuss and have in-person attendance in Cecilia Igwilo; Vice-Chancellor, landed properties, Diaspora contribute to contemporary Awka, Anambra State. But here Chrisland University, Abeokuta, connections, attraction of foreign issues of national interest. we are, it is virtually aligned Prof. Chinedum Babalola; and investors, and others that will He said: “This annual event to the new normal and the first Pharm. Bruno Nwanko, former PCN chairman.

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 7 9/29/2020 6:48:14 AM } 8 }Heroes of Healthcare Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Chukwuedu Nathaniel Nwokolo – distiguished genius of tropical medical research By Solomon Ojigbo

education at Ezinihitte-Mbaise of Minnesota, sponsored by the in Imo State, and his secondary Rockefeller Foundation. education at Government College, In 1964, Nwokolo returned Umuahia. In 1939, he entered from the United States after his Higher College, Yaba, to study Fellowship programme, and was Medicine. Incidentally, most of the appointed associate professor of students who went to Government medicine at the University of Ibadan. College, Umuahia, went on to Subsequently, he set up a sub- Yaba College, which was the only department of gastroenterology, science-based institution of higher with senior registrar, Dr Lewis. learning at the time. Nwokolo led research on various Nwokolo’s medical course gastro-intestinal problems, using lasted seven years, which included intestinal biopsies and procedures internship programmes at the he learnt at the University of General Hospital, Lagos, and Aba Minnesota. However, in 1966, General Hospital. Nwokolo qualified Nwokolo and his family left Ibadan as a medical doctor in 1946, after for Enugu, just before the Nigerian graduating in flying colours. He civil war. won the Walter Johnson prize in During the civil war, Nwokolo public health and consequently got became the first head of the his LMS - Licenciate of the School of department of medicine and Medicine. associate dean of medicine at the After his internship at the new medical school in Enugu. Lagos General Hospital, Nwokolo Nwokolo also carried out research, was posted to General Hospital especially relevant to the terrible Enugu, from 1947 to 1948, and war conditions of starvation then proceeded to work at the and malnutrition. After the war, department of medicine at the Nwokolo was reappointed to his University College Hospital as an position as head of the department assistant medical officer from 1949 of medicine. He was appointed full to 1950. Thereafter, he proceeded professor in 1971 and later became to England for further studies. Professor Emeritus in 1982 at the After moving to London, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Nwokolo studied at Queen Mary’s Nwokolo received many Hospital, Sidcup, and worked in awards and recognitions during Professor Oyewusi Gureje medicine and surgery house jobs his outstanding career in the in Dover. He soon became qualified civil service and academia. He to register and practise in Great was honoured in 1964 with the Britain. He then became a senior Edinburgh, Scotland “Free Man house physician in the geriatrics of the City” award and “Key to unit of Queen Mary’s Hospital, the City of Edinburgh”, having Sidcup. In 1953, Nwokolo obtained been inducted as a Fellow of the the Membership of the Royal Royal College of Physicians of College of Physicians qualification. Edinburgh. He also received the Chukwuedu Nathaniel Nwokolo He was one of the very few Africans Nigerian National Order of Merit to achieve such a feat, and the Award (NNOM) and the Officer of second Nigerian to do so - the first the Order of the Federal Republic aragonimiasis is a food-borne Research Programme to effectively being Dr Olu Mabayoje. (OFR) Award for his immense parasitic infection caused by fight the disease in Nigeria and In 1953, Nwokolo returned to contribution to public health in Pthe lung fluke - most commonly globally. Among Chukwuedu Nigeria where he joined the civil 1982 by President Shehu Shagari. the Paragonimus westermani Nwokolo’s notable scholarly service and appointed special On 10 March, 1998 Nwokolo specie. It infects an estimated 22 works is his book “Introduction grade medical officer and specialist was recognised by University of million people yearly worldwide. to Clinical Medicine (Medicine in in internal medicine. He served Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) The disease is more prominent the Tropics)” and his contribution mainly at Enugu General Hospital. for the Mary Slessor Distinguished in Asians, Africans and Hispanics to the famous book, “Principles of While in the civil service, Merit Award for service to because of their tropical habitats Medicine in Africa - 3rd Edition” Nwokolo carried out medical humanity. This was in recognition and cultures. (Cambridge University Press). research in the wards, as well as in of his research works, and the However, prior to 1972, little was Nwokolo was an advisor to the field. He did major research in introduction of the Drug Revolving known about the occurrence of the the World Health Organisation on endomyocardial fibrosis, endemic Fund at University of Calabar disease in Africa, and particularly tropical diseases and to the Federal goitre, sickle-cell disease and Teaching Hospital, a patient-funded in Nigeria, until Chukwuedu Government of Nigeria at the other areas of national need. On system that was adopted by state Nathaniel Nwokolo, a renowned National Science and Technology the strength of his research and governments in Nigeria; as well as physician, specialist in tropical Development Fund. the papers he published, he was for the system’s acceptance in core medicine and medical researcher made a Fellow of the Royal College line with the Bamako Initiative. He discovered and identified the Background and education of Physicians (FRCP.) in 1960, was the longest serving chairman parasite specie (Paragonimus Nwokolo was born on 19 based on recommendations by his of University of Calabar Teaching uterobilateralis) in eastern Nigeria, April 1921, at Amaimo, Imo State supervisors, Professor Alexander Hospital’s board of management. just after the Nigerian civil war. Nigeria, to the family of Nathaniel Brown and Professor Harold In 1996, Nwokolo was made Chukwuedu Nwokolo is also Ezuma Nwokolo and Matilda Scaborough, a visiting scholar from Knight of Saint Christopher by the credited with mapping out the Nwokolo. His parents worked for University of Wales. Anglican Church Diocese on the endemic areas/ distribution of the the Church Missionary Society as Nwokolo was also invited to Niger. He was happily married lung disease in eastern Nigeria, as evangelists. He was the first male teach as senior lecturer at University to Lady Njideka Nwokolo, née well as in mid-western Nigeria. He child amongst seven children. His College, Ibadan, by Professor Brown. Okonkwo – whom he married on also carried out extensive study of father, Nathaniel, was a church After demonstrating brilliance and Saturday, 4 July, 1953. the disease in Africa and led the teacher; and his mother, Matilda, dedication to research, Nwokolo Nwokolo had seven children, establishment of clinical research was trained at the Niger Church was recommended by Professor four girls and three boys. He died programmes for its control. He Missionary Society (CMS) Onitsha. Brown for a research fellowship in in the United States on 18 May 2014 founded SICREP: Sickle Cell Nwokolo had his primary gastroenterology at the University at the age of 93. COVID-19 IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS STAY SAFE TO STOP THE SPREAD Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 8 9/29/2020 6:48:16 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 } Body Language 9 Choosing a career or vocation the “write” way s wonderful and as By Dipo MacJob (DrWrite) important education regarding employment. Notwithstanding, life has a way Awithin the four walls of any One important advantage of navigating us back to our real citadel of learning is, there is of graphology (personality “calling” to still make impact, one big lacuna I have discovered assessment of an individual exert influence and earn an they all have in common - they do through the handwriting) is its income that is fulfilling, provided not really admit students based relevance as a tool in career or we don’t “throw in the towel” just on their core talents. You simply vocational guidance. If guidance yet. are given admission to study a counsellors, parents and tutors particular course if you meet or really have some understanding Who should get the score above the cut-off point. No of the power of the handwriting teaching job? considerations are particularly , they can assist or guide these Attached are the handwriting given to the intrinsic talent youngsters in choosing right samples of the two shortlisted and wiring of the new intake, course the “write way”. candidates for the post of school whether or not the course he or One reason why you have teacher. Of the two, which of she wants to study is in sync with a lot of frustrated workers them would you recommend for his or her personality traits. out there in the marketplace the job, assuming the vacancy is The pressure from parents is because majority found specifically for the role of a pre- also doesn’t help matters. The themselves doing jobs that nursery teacher? push for every child to choose they had to pick up out a profession in Law, Medicine or of necessity and survival Engineering is what many can instinct or desperation. If relate to. That appeared to be the the key stakeholders adopt ticket out of poverty back then this tool early enough, we but the scenario has changed a just might have lowered bit right now. crime rate in the country Many are struggling ultimately, either directly academically in various or indirectly, because many institutions of higher learning more would find some kind because they are studying Keep your fingers crossed of fulfillment in their jobs till you find out the answer in the courses that have no bearing than staying idle. Of course, next edition. Until then, always whatsoever on their gifting. Some this would not completely remember that “if you must have had to drop out of school solve the crime problem in get it right, you must do it the because they could no longer the country. ‘write way’.” cope with the pressure. For Without coming across others who barely made it to the as insensitive, I am not final year, they got a testimonial unaware that many found that could not positively get the themselves in this life attention of any organisation situation against their wish. Instagram (@dipomacjob) (07062456737 Text message)

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 10 9/29/2020 6:48:23 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Disease of the Month } 11 called duodenal ulcers. Stomach involves inserting a thin, flexible ulcers are called gastric ulcers. tube attached to a camera down Ulcers in the throat are called your throat and into the stomach. esophageal ulcers. They will test the blood, breath or stool for H. pylori. He or she Symptoms of an ulcer also can test a sample of the Common ulcer symptoms stomach lining. Doctor also will include: ask if the patient regularly take Discomfort between meals aspirin or anti-inflammatory or during the night (duodenal medicines. ulcer) Discomfort when eating or Can an ulcer be prevented drinking (gastric ulcer) or avoided? Stomach pain that wakes An ulcer caused by an people up at night H. pylori infection cannot be Feel full fast prevented. However, the risks Bloating, burning or dull can be reduced by limiting pain in the stomach aspirin and anti-inflammatory Comes and goes days or medicines. Avoiding foods that weeks at a time are acidic (orange juice) and The discomfort lasts for spicy to reduce discomfort. Management minutes or hours Avoid caffeine and alcohol. If the ulcer becomes perforated (torn), it becomes a Types of ulcers bleeding ulcer. This can cause While the most common options for GIT the following symptoms: types of ulcers are peptic ulcers, Nausea there are many types, including: Vomiting blood arterial ulcers ulcer Unexpected weight loss venous ulcers see, such as a peptic ulcer in the Blood in the stool mouth ulcers lcer, according to Pain in the back genital ulcers Dr Olusola Talabi, a lining of the stomach or upper consultant physician, is a intestine. U Injuries, diseases, and What causes an ulcer? Arterial ulcers bridge of the mucosa lining of Most ulcers are cause by Arterial (ischemic) ulcers the gut, particularly the stomach, infections can cause them. What they look like depends on Heliocobacter pylori (H. pylori). are open sores that primarily duodenum and oesophagus. This is a bacterial infection. develop on the outer side of He added that there must be a where they are found and how they happened. While some go Acids from the foods we eat can your ankle, feet, toes, and heels. bridge in the mucosa lining for make the pain and discomfort Arterial ulcers develop from ulcer to occur. away on their own, others cause serious problems if they are not worse. Long-term use of aspirin damage to the arteries due to Generally, ulcers are sores or anti-inflammatory medicines lack of blood flow to tissue. These that are slow to heal or keep well treated. Also, ulcers can be (ibuprofen) can cause ulcers. forms of ulcers can take months returning. They can take many Stress and spicy foods can make to heal and require proper forms and can appear both on described as sores on the lining of the stomach or small an ulcer worse. treatment to prevent infection the inside and the outside of and further complications. the body. They can be found on intestine. Sore also could be on the oesophagus (throat). How is an ulcer diagnosed? Arterial ulcers have a places of the body people can A doctor may ask about “punched out” appearance see, such as a leg ulcer found on Most ulcers are located in the small intestine. These ulcers are symptoms. He or she may do the skin; or in places they can’t an endoscopy. This procedure continued on page 13

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aturally, being such a THE BEGINNINGS 3 (Excerpts from MY LIFE AND PHARMANEWS by Sir Ifeanyi Atueyi) strictly warned me that such committed Christian, activities were for the heathen. NSundays were very I remember going to play Ulasi is the deity worshipped by special to my mother. It was a ball with my peers, two pagans in my town. My mother day to abstain from any form compounds away from was especially opposed to the of work and focus solely on our house one afternoon. masquerade system because religious activities. We attended Gradually, darkness of the initiation ceremony that church punctually and regularly. enveloped the entire area involved oath-taking. When my If anyone visited us around the and not only could we no peers were getting involved time for going to church, she longer see the ball but we in masquerade activities, she would ask him or her to go with could not even see one bluntly told me that the day I an apology that they came at another. joined them was the day she the wrong time. That was the first total would kill herself. So seriously did my mother eclipse to ever occur in This is why even though I am take Sundays that she believed Nigeria, and it was on May currently the oldest in my clan that even serious academic or 20, 1947. But since nobody of Umuanudo, in Umuapani, I am brain work must not be done on in the village knew what not involved in such activities this solemn day. I recall that, one an eclipse was, much less and do not hold the “ozo” title. It Sunday evening, as I was busy the possibility of a total is not common to see someone with a homework, she asked me one, panic and terror of my age and social status what I was doing and I replied gripped every heart. Just who has no red cap. All this is that I was doing my arithmetic then, I heard the piercing primarily through the influence homework. She simply took scream of my mother of my mother, aside from my me outside and pointed at the from our house, “Ifeanyi own personal convictions. moon, showing me, according to o! Ifeanyi o! come o, come Let me mention here that her, a man breaking firewood o, let us die together o! Let I accepted the traditional title with an axe. She asked me if I us die together o!” To her, conferred on me by His Royal knew why the man was placed the apocalypse that she Majesty, Arc. Dr Aliyu Ocheja there and I said I didn’t. Then she had read and had been Obaje, CBE, CON, CFR, the Atta- explained that it was because a lot of hardship to provide for taught in the church had Igala of the Igala Kingdom on he worked on a Sunday. His our needs, but also ensured that finally come. But that was Ist October, 2009, in recognition punishment was to continually she took time to equip us with the least of her worries. of my relentless contributions split firewood on the moon. She principles for a successful life, Her primary worry was that I to pharmaceutical journalism asked if I would like to be like most of which were anchored on would not die away from her. in Nigeria. I did so because the that man and when I answered her knowledge of the Scriptures. Interestingly, neither of us could honour came with no baggage of in the negative, she warned I recall a particular incident see each other because of the traditional rituals; it was simply me against doing arithmetic on immediately after my father’s pitch darkness but my mother’s one of the honours in Pharmacy. Sunday because it was serious death. In those days, when anguished cry was enough to However, I did not accept the work. I could study English, but a man died, there was a remind me of how much she chieftaincy title by the Baale certainly not arithmetic. prolonged period of mourning; loved her children. of Mende, where I have been Values of a Lifetime the widow would wear black I equally recall that the residing since 1970, because it My mother’s love for her clothes for one year and face reason I was never initiated did not fit into my lifestyle and children was unparalleled and it various challenges. My mother into the masquerade system values. was her primary desire to see us went through this phase, but or ever accepted a traditional become successful in life. To this for me, being just a young boy, chieftaincy (ozo ulasi) title was continues next edition end, she not only went through life quickly resumed normalcy. because of my mother who

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Management options for GIT ulcer In addition to sores, continued from page 11 or ointment to symptoms that may accompany accompanied with a number of reduce your genital ulcers include: symptoms, including: discomfort. rash or bumps in the affected red, yellow, or black sores If your area hairless skin condition is the pain or itching leg pain result of a more swollen glands in the groin no bleeding serious infection, area affected area cool to the seek medical fever touch from minimal blood attention to Similar to types of ulcers, circulation receive the best treatment depends on the Treatment for arterial ulcers treatment. underlying cause of your depends on the underlying cause. condition. In some cases, these Primary treatment includes Genital sores will go away on their own, restoring blood circulation to the ulcers so if diagnosed with an STI, your affected area. While antibiotics Genital doctor may prescribe antiviral may help reduce symptoms, ulcers are sores or antibiotic medication or your doctor may recommend that develop on ointment. If you feel you’ve surgery to increase blood flow genital areas, been exposed to a STI, seek to your tissues and organs. In immediate medical attention. more severe circumstances, lips including the penis, vagina, your doctor may recommend issues eating or drinking anus or surrounding areas. They Peptic ulcer amputation. fever are usually caused by sexually Peptic ulcer disease diarrhoea transmitted infections (STIs), represents a serious medical Venous ulcers Mouth ulcers often go away but genital ulcers can also problem. Approximately Venous ulcers — the most on their own without treatment. be triggered by trauma, 500,000 new cases are reported common type of leg ulcers — are If they become painful, your inflammatory diseases, or each year. Interestingly, those at open wounds often forming on doctor or dentist may prescribe allergic reactions to skin care the highest risk of contracting your leg, below your knee and an antimicrobial mouthwash products. continued on page 15 on the inner area of your ankle. They typically develop from damage to your veins caused by insufficient blood flow back to your heart. In some cases, venous ulcers cause little to no pain unless they’re infected. Other cases of this condition can be very painful. Other symptoms you may experience include: inflammation swelling itchy skin scabbing discharge Venous ulcers can take months to fully heal. In rare cases, they may never heal. Treatment focuses on improving flow to the affected area. Antibiotics can help prevent infection and reduce symptoms, but they aren’t enough to heal venous ulcers. Alongside medication, your doctor may recommend surgery or compression therapy to increase blood flow. Mouth ulcers Mouth ulcers are small sores or lesions that develop in your mouth or the base of your gums. They’re commonly known as canker sores. These ulcers are triggered by a number of causes, including: biting the inside of your cheek food allergies hard teeth brushing hormonal changes vitamin deficiencies bacterial infection diseases Mouth ulcers are common and often go away within two weeks. They can be uncomfortable but shouldn’t cause significant pain. If a mouth ulcer is extremely painful or doesn’t go away within two weeks, seek immediate medical attention. Minor mouth ulcers appear as small, round ulcers that leave no scarring. In more severe cases, they can develop into larger and deeper wounds. Other serious symptoms associated with this type of ulcer may include: unusually slow healing (lasting longer than three weeks) ulcers that extend to your Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 14 9/29/2020 6:48:41 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Disease of the Month 15 Management options for GIT ulcer gastrointestinal (GI) series. continued from page 13 Upper endoscopy peptic ulcer disease are those In this procedure, your generations born around the doctor inserts a long tube with middle of the 20th century. Ulcer a camera down your throat and disease has become a disease into your stomach and small predominantly affecting the intestine to examine the area older population, with the peak for ulcers. This instrument also incidence occurring between 55 allows your doctor to remove and 65 years of age. tissue samples for examination. In men, duodenal ulcers Not all cases require an were more common than gastric upper endoscopy. However, this ulcers; in women, the converse procedure is recommended was found to be true. 35 per for people with a higher risk cent of patients diagnosed of stomach cancer. This includes with gastric ulcers will suffer people over the age of 45, as serious complications. Although well as people who experience: mortality rates from peptic anaemia ulcer disease are low, the high weight loss prevalence and the resulting gastrointestinal bleeding pain, suffering, and expense are difficulty swallowing very costly. Peptic ulcer disease is Upper GI one of several disorders of the If you don’t have difficulty upper gastrointestinal tract that the lining of the stomach, the from the navel to the chest, which swallowing and have a low risk is caused, at least partially, by esophagus, and the small can range from mild to severe. In of stomach cancer, your doctor gastric acid. Patients with peptic intestine to break down. These some cases, the pain may wake may recommend an upper GI ulcer disease may present with include: you up at night. Small peptic test instead. For this procedure, a range of symptoms, from Helicobacter pylori (H. ulcers may not produce any you’ll drink a thick liquid called mild abdominal discomfort to pylori), a type of bacteria that symptoms in the early phases. barium (barium swallow). Then catastrophic perforation and can cause a stomach infection Other common signs of a a technician will take an X-ray of bleeding. and inflammation peptic ulcer include: your stomach, oesophagus, and There are three types of frequent use of aspirin changes in appetite small intestine. The liquid will peptic ulcers: (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil), nausea make it possible for your doctor gastric ulcers: ulcers that and other anti-inflammatory bloody or dark stools to view and treat the ulcer. develop inside the stomach drugs (risk associated with this unexplained weight loss Because H. pylori is a cause oesophageal behavior increases in women indigestion of peptic ulcers, your doctor will ulcers: ulcers that develop and people over the age of 60) vomiting also run a test to check for this inside the esophagus smoking chest pain infection in your stomach. duodenal ulcers: ulcers that drinking too much alcohol develop in the upper section of radiation therapy Tests and exams for peptic Other tests for H. pylori. the small intestines, called the stomach cancer ulcers Another test to detect duodenum. Symptoms of peptic ulcers Two types of tests are the bacteria is called a urea The most common symptom available to diagnose a Causes of peptic ulcers of a peptic ulcer is burning peptic ulcer. They are called continued on page 17 Different factors can cause abdominal pain that extends upper endoscopy and upper

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 16 9/29/2020 6:48:49 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Disease of the Month 17 and ranitidine (Zantac). Management options for GIT ulcer Bismuth. This medication continued from page 15 covers the ulcer and protects it breath test. You swallow a from stomach acid. It can also substance containing carbon help kill H. pylori infections. (in many cases, a small amount Doctors usually prescribe it of radioactivity is present). with antibiotics. If H. pylori are present in your Antacids. They may ease stomach, you will have a your symptoms for a short positive breath test. time, but they don’t treat ulcers. Stool samples can be tested Taking an antacid can also keep for proteins that are associated antibiotics from working. Talk with the bacteria. to your doctor before taking an Sometimes, more than one antacid for peptic ulcer disease. test is needed to diagnose your condition. Surgery If you have a serious ulcer Expected duration that keeps returning and doesn’t Ulcers caused by a get better with medication, your medication should begin healing doctor may suggest surgery. shortly after you stop taking the You’ll need emergency drug. Anti-acid medicine may surgery if you have a be used for two to six weeks to bleeding ulcer (also called help healing and relieve pain. a hemorrhaging ulcer). The Ulcers caused by H. pylori can surgeon will identify the source heal after the bacteria are of the bleeding (usually a small needed to prevent a heart attack consuming certain drugs and artery at the base of the ulcer) killed. Typically, you will take or stroke) supplement, excessive alcohol antibiotics along with acid- and fix it. You’ll need emergency NSAIDs consumption, spicy food and surgery to close a perforated suppressing medicine for two Excessive alcohol some beverages. Caution is also weeks. Then you may take ulcer, or holes in the wall of your Smoking given against irregular meals stomach or duodenum (the first acid-suppressing medication and too much meal at a time. for another four to eight weeks. part of your small intestine). Why do people usually Some people opt for Gastric ulcers tend to heal have recurrence of peptic Peptic ulcer treatment more slowly than duodenal surgery to lower the amount of ulcers? You shouldn’t treat an ulcer stomach acid their body puts ulcers. Uncomplicated gastric According to Dr Olusola on your own without first seeing ulcers take up to two or three out. Before you do that, have Talabi, a consultant physician, your doctor. Over-the-counter an in-depth discussion with months to heal completely. people usually have a antacids and acid blockers may Duodenal ulcers take about six your doctor about the possible recurrence of ulcers because of ease some or all of the pain, but complications. Your ulcer could weeks to heal. improper treatment. According the relief is always short-lived. An ulcer can temporarily come back, it could cause to him, when one has an ulcer, With a doctor’s help, you can find problems with your liver, or you heal without antibiotics. But it is one is supposed to undertake a an end to ulcer pain as well as a common for an ulcer to recur or could get ‘’dumping syndrome,’’ proper diagnosis. lifelong cure for it. which causes chronic abdominal for another ulcer to form nearby, “For example, if a patient The chief goals of ulcer if the bacteria are not killed. pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or presents him or herself to the treatment are reducing the sweating after eating. doctor as having stomach pains, amount of acid in the stomach Prevention the doctor is not supposed to and strengthening the protective Alternative treatments Peptic ulcers are not usually place a hand on the stomach lining that comes in direct contact preventable the first time Although alternative and give treatment for ulcer. with stomach acids. If your ulcer therapies have been shown to around. There ought to be a proper is caused by bacterial infection, Infection with H. pylori is aid in the relief of symptoms, diagnosis”. your doctor will also treat that. you should only use them as extremely common. It is He continued: “Recurrence probably spread from person supplements to conventional usually happesn because Medications treatment. to person. Crowded living there was never a proper care. Medications are usually used space appears to be a risk If it’s an ideal society where to treat mild-to-moderate ulcers. Tips for living with ulcers factor. oxidation is properly treated, Antibiotics. If your Good hygiene may limit the If you have an ulcer, be the ulcer patient is supposed to ulcer is caused by H. careful when choosing over- spread of H. pylori somewhat. go through endoscopy, where pylori bacteria, antibiotics can This includes washing your the-counter pain relievers. a tube is passed to look at the cure the ulcer. Usually, the Aspirin and other nonsteroidal hands thoroughly before stomach from a screen. On the doctor will prescribe triple eating and after using the anti-inflammatory drugs lining of the stomach on the or quadruple therapy, which (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can bathroom. screen, one will see where the combines several antibiotics Recurrent ulcers from H. irritate an ulcer and prevent a ulcer is and one will be able to with heartburn drugs. bleeding ulcer from healing. pylori can usually be prevented administer proper treatment. Triple therapy if you get appropriate Avoid powdered headache You look out for the mucosa combines two antibiotics, medication, too. It usually treatment for your first ulcer. bridge. If you cannot define a such as amoxicillin and This should include antibiotics contains powdered aspirin. mucosa bridge, you cannot call clarithromycin, with a proton Your best choice may be that kill the bacteria. it ulcer.” pump inhibitor. The doctor You may help to prevent acetaminophen, which doesn’t Also, Dr Aisosa Ehigiator, a can substitute metronidazole cause or worsen stomach ulcers. peptic ulcers by: medical practitioner in Benin, (Flagyl) for amoxicillin if you’re Avoiding smoking Don’t overdose on iron urged patients with ulcer to allergic to penicillin. If you’ve supplements. You may need Avoiding excessive alcohol ensure routine checkups in had repeated bouts of these use them if you have bleeding order to avoid complications. antibiotics, or if you live in an ulcers, but taking too much can Limiting the use of NSAIDs He also urged them to avoid area where there’s resistance to for pain irritate your stomach lining and frequent use of painkillers. clarithromycin or metronidazole, the ulcer. Ask the doctor how Speaking in the same vein, quadruple therapy treatment much iron you need. When to call a professional Dr Anomneze Emmanuel, a with two antibiotics (like Call for medical advice if you Learn how to manage stress. consultant gastroenterologist metronidazole and tetracycline) Relaxation techniques like deep have continuing abdominal pain who works in a private clinic in plus bismuth and a proton-pump or indigestion. Also call if you breathing, guided imagery, Lagos, said other causes of ulcer inhibitor works best. No matter and moderate exercise can need to take antacids frequently which are prevalent in Nigeria, what the plan is, you should take to prevent these symptoms. help ease stress and promote include purchase of over the all medications for 10-14 days. healing. Seek emergency care if you counter drugs for relieving joint Proton pump inhibitors. experience: and body pain, referred to as PPIs are acid reducers. A sudden sharp pain in your Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory These medications include abdomen Article compiled by Drugs (NSAIDs) which include esomeprazole (Nexium) and Adebayo Oladejo, with Bloody or black vomit drugs like ibuprophen, omeprazole (Prilosec). Maroon or black stools additional contributions from diclofenac, Pirocican, Aspirin, H2 blockers. These medicinenet.com, Canadian Prognosis Alabukun and the likes. medicines are also called With proper treatment, the Society of Intestinal Research, Corroborating these histamine receptor blockers Healthwise.com, Michigan outlook for peptic ulcers is views, Pharm. Gorge Nwagha, or H2-receptor antagonists. University, Bloomberg, excellent. a pharmacist in Lagos, said, They block a natural chemical Wikipedia, NCB, American To prevent another ulcer, “When you have been called histamine, which tells Family Physicians, WebMD, people who have had a peptic diagnosed of having stomach your stomach to make acid. H2 www.drug.com, Cleveland ulcer should avoid: ulcer, the doctor will advise blockers include cimetidine Clinic, Mayo Clinic, WHO. Aspirin (unless a low dose is against taking certain foods, (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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spread October 2020 .indd 4 9/29/2020 6:48:57 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Medical Practice 19 Why post-partum haemorrhage is common in Nigeria – Gynaecologist Patrick Iwelunmor Government needs wouldn’t know if that is the reason to be decisive, as any the African continent is not as form of laxity on their hard-hit by the virus, compared to part would not help the Europe and other continents. We system. They must be have had a long history of battling ready to go all out to stop malaria with chloroquine which, them because, it is clear though has been banned, is still in that there is no magic circulation. that they can perform, Sincerely speaking, I think especially herbal homes these medications are still in and auxiliary nurses. experimental stages. Before you A woman can deliver can certify drugs to be specifically safely on her own, even at meant for particular disease home but the problem is conditions, they must have gone that when a complication through the appropriate stages. arises, an unqualified or These are the reasons the federal untrained person may not government and the Nigeria Centre be able to handle it. This for Disease Control (NCDC) are is the problem. It is safer telling us to be cautious. and better to deliver in a hospital, manned by qualified health What do you think is personnel. responsible for citizens’ apathy in adhering to COVID-19 What do you think guidelines? informed the initial COVID-19 is not yet eradicated decision of the federal and the earlier the people know government to exclude this, the better for them. My candid private hospitals advice to people is that they should from COVID-19 not jettison the safety measures management? that they are supposed to adhere Just as in the case of to, in order to ensure their own retroviral diseases, which safety, health-wise. treatments are under the I have said it several times that control of government, the the African continent is favoured, Dr Abikoye Emmanuel Olabisi decision of government even though we lost quite a number was purely to ensure that of our people. When we compare r Abikoye Emmanuel Olabisi is a trained gynaecologist, with the appropriate things were done. the mortality in our environment to many years of experience. He is the medical director of Our system being what it is, can be that in other continents, like the USA hijacked by people without good and the many parts of the western DBetter Life Hospital, Abaranje-Okerube, Ikotun, Lagos. In this intentions who may start carrying world, you will see that we are very exclusive interview with Pharmanews, he calls on government to out all sorts of unwholesome lucky and that is why many people invest more in the preventive aspect of medicine, while admonishing practices, making claims that have are saying the virus does not exist. not been scientifically proven. If they were in those places where pregnant women to stop patronising quacks before, during and after Just like the management the virus has killed people in their childbirth, adding that most of the cases of post-partum haemorrhage of HIV/AIDS, the drug has to be millions, they wouldn’t be saying which eventually lead to high maternal mortality are caused by effective, not causing any damage so; they would have appreciated to the patient. Government was the magnitude of this pandemic. unlicensed caregivers’ inappropriate attempts to manage the third only trying to play safe, not to stage of pregnancy. Excerpts: worsen an already precarious What is your advice to the situation. With COVID-19, at the federal government on how beginning, there was no specific to prepare for future health Sir, can you give us a brief The commonest causes of drug. All efforts had been geared emergencies? background to your medical towards developing a vaccine for What has happened in recent journey right from school? maternal mortality, from the experience we have gathered in this prevention. The drugs that people times is an eye-opener and I think It’s been an interesting journey. are using were not specifically those in government should rise up It started from my younger days in practice, are bleeding episodes. One of the most rampant is what we developed to cure the disease to their responsibilities, especially primary school in my hometown, but to improve the symptoms and in the prudent management of Edidi to be precise. It’s a local call post-partum haemorrhage – bleeding after delivery of the child. conditions of patients. public funds accruing to them, government area in Kwara State. Moreover, as a novel virus, not only in the health sector but From there, I proceeded to St. It’s obvious to us now that most of these cases are as a result of which mode of operation was still also in other sectors. What we Augustine’s College, Kabba, now being studied, government did not have experienced in the health in Kogi State. From there, I enrolled mismanagement. Mismanagement on the part of the caregivers, due want to make hasty generalisations sector is years of neglect and ill- for my A Level exams at Kwara State or take the wrong and uninformed preparation. We should be grateful Polytechnic, Ilorin, where I sat for to their level of experience; and also on the part of the patient, decisions, bearing in mind that to God that this pandemic did not the IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation COVID-19 is a highly infectious hit us the way it ravaged other Board) exam, with which I got a especially in environments like ours where, most pregnant women disease which could spread continents, because it could have Direct Entry to study Medicine at calamitously, if allowed to be been a disaster. the University of Ibadan in 1992. patronise quacks, under whose care, the third stage of labour is handled by everyone. At a time, many countries were I graduated from medical Mind, you most private hospitals struggling to survive. They even school in the year 2000. I spent a often not managed appropriately. And before you know it, they would don’t have the isolation centres to prepared to come and evacuate longer time due to strike actions accommodate patients. But as soon their citizens from African by ASUU. I did my internship at the have bled to a level of being in shock. as isolation centres were being set countries because they envisaged University College Hospital (UCH), up by government both at state we might not be able to withstand Ibadan. I did my NYSC at a primary At this level, even an expert cannot perform any magic. It is and federal levels, some private the onslaught of the virus, bearing health centre in Jigawa State. hospitals were commissioned to in mind the comatose nature of our After my NYSC, I was employed usually critical. Some may be saved but most don’t survive it. handle cases. health system. Fortunately for us, by the Osun State Ministry of our story is even better than theirs. Health at one their primary health What should government What is your opinion They suffered more and had more centres. During this period, I on the hydroxychloroquine casualties, against all expectations. wrote an exam in Obstetrics and do about the menace of these quacks? controversy? Government should prudently Gynaecology. I later found myself I have also seen doctors who manage public funds and they at the Lagos University Teaching The government needs to be very decisive without playing have come out to say that these should give adequate percentages Hospital where I specialised in medications work effectively in to all sectors but they should gynaecology. As I speak, I am a politics. They should support the security agents to do their jobs and the treatment of COVID-19. Like seriously improve that of the registered gynaecologist. I started I said earlier too, these drugs are health sector to make adequate this practice in 2009. those identified as quacks should be decisively dealt with - not still in their experimental stages provisions for emergencies. They as far as COVID-19 management is should strengthen the preventive What do you think is the that they should be arrested and released to continue their nefarious concerned. department of medicine and commonest cause of maternal In our own system, we are research should be ongoing in mortality? activities after some ransom must have been collected from them. well used to chloroquine. In fact, I order to prepare for what may happen next. Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 19 9/29/2020 6:48:53 AM } } 20 Nursing Practice Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 We lost more nurses to COVID-19 than other diseases- FOLGONM Chairperson By Temitope Obayendo tannish the image of nurses. particularly The movie industry too has with advent of been involved in projecting COVID-19, among nurses in a bad image. Some other diseases musicians are not left out of this plaguing the world, irritating behaviour too. there are ambitious Be that as it may, it would not efforts being made be surprising that a professional to reach a goal of group as large as nursing should universal health have one or two bad eggs. coverage around However our association has the world by 2030. established committees whose All countries, responsibility is to ensure that Nigeria inclusive, nurses adhere strictly to the must understand rules and regulations guiding that nurses need to our practice. In today’s nursing be on the frontline practice, we’ve had a few who for any success have been used as scapegoats to be achieved. to serve as deterrent to other We had hoped would-be law breakers. to have fantastic Nursing, like other healthcare programmes which professions, has stringent rules would have drawn and regulations guiding its more attention scope of practice. Some nurses to nurses but, have been suspended, some alas, we’ve lost dismissed while some have more members to had their licences withdrawn COVID-19 than any when they were found guilty of Mrs Ola Soremekun other disease worldwide. one offence or the other. The We have said that clapping new face of nursing is a sunny rs Ola Soremekun is the newly elected chairperson of the is not enough. Something disposition and patients are Forum of Local Government Nurses and Midwives, Lagos unique should be done for our treated as kings. State Chapter. In this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, members particularly, those we M lost to one disease or the other Still on the roles of nurses she laments the huge number of nurses who died while caring for while caring for others. The in the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 patients and suggests that they should be immortalised. case of Justina Ejelonu readily what are the challenges being She also speaks on diverse issues affecting the nursing profession in comes to mind and, recently, encountered? How would government intervention help Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the bane of quackery. Excerpts: Com. Amusan, who died while caring for persons suffering the situation going forward? from COVID-19. These people, You and I know that the Congratulations on your the COVID-19 pandemic is like Nightingale, are martyrs virus that causes COVID-19 emergence as the new Lagos real and every member of the who fell in the battle to curtail pandemic burst onto the world FOLGONM Chairperson. How community needs to obey the Ebola and COVID-19 among stage unexpectedly, quickly do you feel about this new guidelines of preventing being others. becoming a global pandemic achievement? infected. and grinding entire cities, states, Well like any individual who It is not about the individual What is your plan for local and economies to a halt. has successfully attained a goal, alone but about all of us. We all government nurses in Lagos? The suddenness of the I am happy. However, I know that need to take responsibility for As I said earlier, I have a coronavirus caught many off- my role as the spokesperson of our lives. It is disheartening vision before contesting and guard; but fortunately, the our group is a daunting one. The seeing community members the realisation of the vision is largest trained contingent of shoes I am stepping into are big throwing caution to the winds paramount to me. Collectively, healthcare workers around the and must fit. after the partial lifting of the my team intends to draw more world were already on the job, Right now I am thinking of lockdown. attention to the plight of nurses, trying to stem the tide of this how best to communicate the People troop to banks, with the hope that we will find terrifying pandemic. union’s vision, direction and markets, malls and functions, better succour and satisfaction As nurses, we were there goals to everyone, in an attempt without exercising caution, from working as nurses, either for the Spanish Flu, Polio, Ebola, to introduce better harmony, despite the ravaging effects of with the government or in and now, we stand between cohesion and unity of purpose the pandemic. private practice. COVID-19 and the rest of the among our members. I also Public enlightenment We can speak with one world. We are always prepared intend to be a good listener who campaign is still continuing voice when we are united and for any health challenges, seeks out the views and ideas and I hope our people will work towards achieving our contagious or not. of fellow executive members as obey all rules and regulations goals together. This we intend As nurses, we are always well as those of the generality of on COVID-19 to keep our pursuing. prepared for leadership roles our members. communities safe. We were I believe in dialogue, as it in policy decisions of health part of the process right from is always better to jaw-jaw than systems and government You emerged at a critical the beginning and we are not war-war. The foundation of a agencies, and can prepare time, considering the ongoing relenting on our efforts to stem new dawn has been laid with for, identify, respond to, and global pandemic. With the the tide. our emergence and we are direct recovery efforts for experience gathered so far poised for better performance global pandemics that require from this outbreak, how should 2020 is designated as the and uplifting of our profession. an informed, internationally nursing at the grassroots year of nurses and midwives. coordinated response. be positioned for maximum In what ways has this mission There is this perception In other words, nurses delivery? been actualised at the primary about the attitude of nurses are (and have always been) The Lagos State government health centres? in public hospitals - that they uniquely equipped to deal has prepared our members, with 2020 was designated as “The are not caring enough. How with the prolonged crisis of a extensive training on COVID-19 Year of the Nurse and Midwife” do you intend to correct this pandemic, and our presence protocols, which has equipped by the WHO, to push for better among your members? on the frontlines is one of our us with the needed knowledge recognition for nurses and Attitude of nurses! Well, the greatest defence against diverse to continue to create public midwives in an effort to increase issue of the attitude of nurses diseases. enlightenment campaigns the global nursing workforce. has always been a recurring Without nurses, nothing across its 20 local governments Nurses and midwives make decimal. I must let you know much can be achieved in terms and 37 local council development up more than half the healthcare that most of the havoc said to of health indices. As professional areas, as part of measures to workforce worldwide, and the have been committed by nurses nurses, we care yesterday, today halt community transmission of WHO estimates that this year are actually done by quacks and tomorrow; and caring for COVID-19. there will be a shortage of nearly who pose as nurses and this is others in ill-health and other We are still telling our nine million nurses. why we must work harder to situations (from cradle to the people that regardless of the As the world faces eliminate all these quacks who grave) is what we do and that’s gradual easing of the lockdown, growing healthcare shortages, our responsibility. Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 20 9/29/2020 6:48:53 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }News 21 establishment of a publicly FIP charges national governments on accessible means of providing information on medicine shortages, as well as the development of a resolving global medicine shortages global process to determine the list continued from front page for healthcare of critical or vulnerable products. In a similar development, the buffer stockpiles. professionals, and compromising apex pharmaceutical body has The recommendation, also established the Antimicrobial contained in a recent Statement patient safety. Shortages have Resistance (AMR) Commission of Policy, specifically urged to explore opportunities that will governments to develop an inter- been reported in countries of all increase the impact of Pharmacy regional cooperation mechanism on AMR in all settings and scopes to define medicine shortages, income levels, occurring across of pharmacy practice. based on duration of shortage, Inaugurated at the opening as well as health and economic all healthcare settings and ceremony of the 2020 FIP World impacts, from the perspective of Congress, the commission is patients. involving essential life- expected to drive a new FIP According to the FIP’s policy Pharmacy AMR Roadmap to guide statement, national leaders saving medicines, very commonly actions globally and regionally, in are to: “Create policies at an consultation with members of FIP. interregional level (e.g., ASEAN, used medicines and both high- The recommendations are to be EU) encouraging the production published later this year. of APIs and medicines inherently and low-price medicines”. The FIP CEO, Dr Catherine and consistently reported for Duggan, also stated that the AMR shortages in the region, in order to Söderlund emphasised that Commission will concentrate build resilience in times of public on the implementation of the health emergencies. the commitment of FIP and FIP Development Goal on “Implement measures to Antimicrobial Stewardship, which create a regulatory and economic its member organisations, as is one of 21 Development Goals framework that promotes the launched by FIP earlier to support diversification of production of stated in the new policy statement, the transformation of the pharmacy APIs, raw materials and medicines profession around the world. in order to improve resilience in is “to develop evidence-based She further revealed that: “The the supply chain and guarantee FIP Pharmacy AMR Roadmap will that all markets, regardless of guidelines and competency guide actions globally, sustaining their size or resources, are able momentum and tracking and to provide equitable access to development programmes evaluating the progress of this medicines for their citizens. global health priority for pharmacy. “Develop harmonised targeting pharmacists’ “The FIP Development Goal reporting criteria in order to on Antimicrobial Stewardship guarantee interoperability of the roles in mitigating the impact looks at the role of pharmacists, national reporting systems on pharmaceutical scientists and medicines shortages and data Mr Dominique Jordan of medicines shortages.” pharmaceutical educators in comparability, including a list of reducing AMR. shortages and an early warning Söderlund noted that there FIP further recommends the “The new FIP Commission system involving all supply chain is a growing concern among global use of a single definition on Antimicrobial Resistance will stakeholders, about existing and all stakeholders - patients, of medicine shortages and a set facilitate the essential contribution anticipated shortage.” healthcare professionals, of harmonised criteria to identify of pharmacists to AMR action plans Mr Lars-Åke Söderlund, chair governmental organisations, and monitor shortages at national, around the world, which include of FIP’s Medicines Shortages pharmaceutical wholesalers and regional and international levels, surveillance and monitoring of Policy Committee and president the pharmaceutical industry — to enhance understanding of the antimicrobial use and resistance, of FIP’s Community Pharmacy about the future of medicines problem globally through more and antibiotics distribution and Section, observed that the supplies worldwide. accurate, reliable and comparable regulation.” causes of shortages are several, He added: “There is evidence data. multidimensional and sometimes that shortages are worsening with It tasked each country on unpredictable. time, creating ever more difficulties correlation of 100%. On the overall, the assay you developed We developed our molecular test is very crucial to identify cases in our community”, he stated. kit to meet Nigerians’ need - NIMR He however noted that some level of improvement is DG By Temitope Obayendo required. he Nigerian Institute of The inventor of the test Medical Research (NIMR) kit, Dr Chika K. Onwuamah, Tsays it has launched a highlighted the comparative locally developed molecular benefits of the kit over others, test kit to close the wide gap saying it is effective and fast, in testing for COVID-19 among with detection in minutes. Nigerians. “It has simple workflow NIMR Director General, and amplification at a low Professor Babatunde Salako, temperature (40°C). It is an said the equipment, called SARS affordable equipment test CoV-2 Isothermal Molecular reagent, which is proven to Assay (SIMA), was specifically be versatile as PCR. It is also developed to meet the testing sensitive and specific, with need of rural-dwellers and multiple detection formats,” researchers on the field. Onwuamah said Salako made the remarks at The SIMA project was the unveiling ceremony of the sponsored by Fate Philanthropy test kit, on 18 September 2020, Coalition against COVID-19, at the NIMR auditorium, Yaba, which awarded NIMR a grant of Lagos. NIMR Director General, Prof. Babatunde Salako (3rd from right), N20m to support the “in-house He said SIMA has the Dr Chika Onwuamah (3rd from left) flanked by other dignitaries at design and development of capacity to test 32 samples and the launch of SIMA, held recently at the NIMR auditorium in Lagos. point-of-care isothermal real- produce results in less than 40 time test detecting SARS-CoV-2 minutes. University of Lagos, also to identify infected persons.” “The molecular laboratories Salako further stressed corroborated the statement of When asked about the cost we have today come with heavy the importance of the test kit the NIMR DG on SIMA, saying it of test per person through equipment, which are not in mitigating the spread of has been evaluated by three labs SIMA, Salako said though the moveable; so the idea of point- the novel coronavirus, saying, in the state, and their findings institution doesn’t have the of -care testing was developed. “While no effective vaccine has are impressive. intention to be in charge of the “Our new COVID-19 kit is been developed to date, case “In summary, the kit was commercialisation, as it plans more relevant now that schools detection remains the surest way tested and compared on different handing it over to a private are reopening, as it can be used of controlling the pandemic.” platforms and the overall firm, users can be assured of a in tertiary teaching hospitals Dr Salu Olumuyiwa of the result was 71%. It was done in moderate price, as against the to upscale COVID-19 testing in Centre for Human Zoonotic biology and the correlation was current price of N50,400 which Nigeria,” Salako said. Virology, College of Medicine, over 50%; at Chavy, we had a a PCR test goes for. Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 22 9/29/2020 6:48:57 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Diaspora News 23 Channel your entrepreneurial disposition towards clinical practice, Nwizu tasks Nigerian

pharmacists By Temitope Obayendo I am also at the time, the primary goal was to r Ucheoma Nwizu, an intrigued by keep them away from the hospital. experienced clinical how much our We did not seek perfect blood pharmacist at the patients can learn. sugar numbers; safety was our D When I practised number one goal. We were to avoid Neighbourhood Health Centre, at the Heart to all glycaemic emergencies. in Milwaukie, Oregon, USA, has Heart Centre The next target was to avoid observed that most Nigerian in Jos, Plateau unnecessary clinic or pharmacy pharmacists have strong State, Nigeria, I visits. This sometimes meant, entrepreneurial dispositions but was pleasantly making judgements with limited need to improve on their clinical surprised at data. Sometimes, though, we did skills. how much even not have very recent labs; we The clinician, who manages illiterate patients had to make reasonable clinical various chronic disease conditions can learn. I learnt decisions, based on previous through a collaborative practice not to equate laboratory results. agreement with physicians in English speaking Sometimes, certain medications her clinic, said it is imperative for with intelligence. were not prescribed, based on Nigerian pharmacists to harness I learnt to devote laboratory test requirement or their entrepreneurial orientation attention to lack thereof. Medications were towards improving pharmaceutical teaching and now prescribed for 90 days at a care. empowering time and we collaborated with the patients to insurance companies to sync all Below is the full interview: participate in their medications, so they were their healthcare, only going to the pharmacy once Please tell us about yourself, irrespective of to get all their medications and your early years and education. their education supplies. The primary goal was to I am a clinical pharmacist, but I level. It is avoid unnecessary risk of exposure wanted to be a teacher for as long amazing what to the COVID virus. as I can remember. As a young girl, can be achieved while others played house, I played when patients We learnt you helped school and I was the teacher. Being collaborate with develop a manual for preceptor the first child of two schoolteachers, their healthcare development for Nigerian it seemed innate to me, but my Dr Ucheoma Nwizu providers. pharmacists. Please tell us in parents discouraged my career I am also summary what the manual was choice. They did not want me in for our patients who are on multiple intrigued by how our profession all about. a career that depended solely on medications; providing education has grown. I started practising This was a NAPPSA initiative. the government for income. I did to our healthcare providers Pharmacy in the US in the “count, The Nigerian Association of not need much persuasion, as I and nurses on medications and pour, lick and stick era”, in which Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical had watched my mother work for guideline changes; and providing pharmacist manually typed up the Scientists in the Americas months without a salary. drug information responses to label, counted the pills, licked, and (NAPPSA), through its Education I attended various elementary all providers and patients at the slapped labels on the dispensing Committee, collaborated with schools as my dad was in the clinic. Additionally, I precept bottles. By the time I left retail some pharmacy educators in federal civil service; but for students on APPE Ambulatory practice after 12 years, things had the United States to provide a secondary school, I attended Care rotations. advanced - from the ability to scan manual for pharmacy preceptors Federal Government Girls’ College, In my spare time, I teach online hard copies of prescriptions to the in Nigeria. This was our way of Owerri. In secondary school, classes to pharmacy students. system, electronic transmission of making a tangible contribution to the science subjects made more I have a passion for providing prescriptions, to visual verification experiential learning in pharmacy sense to me, as they were logical education across the globe. The of prescriptions. Things are now education in Nigeria. and required less memorisation. joy is in impacting the pharmacy automated, and the pharmacist can The primary objective of the I thrived in understanding and world in small measures from a now spend time in clinical practice. manual is to provide guidance and applying concepts. Subjects like little corner in my kitchen office. I I have also watched the the necessary tools to pharmacists History and English Literature, love to run and hike. My favourite advancement of Clinical Pharmacy in in Nigeria, who are engaged or though interesting, required time of the week is my Saturday the United States. We keep expanding seeking to engage in experiential memorisation and reproducing in run/walk. I can spend hours doing the territories. Ambulatory education, to improve precepting the examinations, so I stayed away. I that while my head is plugged into care used to consist of running skills and help develop quality chose to study Pharmacy, following music, or a book or podcast. anticoagulation clinics and drug sites for experiential learning. the footsteps of Pharm. Ifeanyi information services. Now, we have This manual provides a practice Atueyi, founder and publisher of As a pharmacist with collaborative practice agreements to framework for the development Pharmanews, who was my dad’s years of experience in clinical manage chronic disease conditions. of experiential education in very good friend. He was the only practice, can you share with us Clinical pharmacists have strongly various settings and encourages health professional I knew who was some intriguing aspects of the occupied their place in the United preceptors to create individualised not a doctor or a nurse. He carried practice? States health system and the system strategies to build a successful himself with dignity and I naturally One of my most profound has benefited from it. learning experience for their assumed pharmacy was a noble encounters in pharmacy practice students. health profession. occurred during my experiential The outbreak of coronavirus In addition, this manual I studied Pharmacy at the learning for my PharmD Degree. has led to the death of many provides tools to help develop University of Benin. My “ahaa During an Ambulatory Care diabetics across the globe. As a curriculum for experiential moment” in pharmacy school rotation at a Veteran’s Hospital in a certified advanced diabetes learning and for assessment of came when I sat in my first clinical South Dakota, a poorly controlled management consultant, how students and preceptors to ensure pharmacy class. Here, everything diabetic patient was referred to my would you advise healthcare they are meeting target goals. The I had been learning seemed to tie preceptor for management, and givers to prevent further death of manual is accessible through the in neatly. I migrated to the United after explaining the therapeutic diabetics from COVID-19? NAPPSA website at: States with a strong desire to pursue goals, my preceptor said to him, Yes. Patients with diabetes are http://nappsa.org/ a career in clinical pharmacy. I was “Don’t worry, Mr. ‘J’, we will get at higher risk of poor outcomes and userfiles/file/Preceptor%20 able to accomplish that after 12 you there.” even death from COVID. The first Development%20Manual%20%20 years of practising as community This encounter, though recommendations are for prevention, %20%20%20%20%20%20%20 pharmacist. I obtained a PharmD somewhat uneventful, was an – social distancing, wearing of FINAL.pdf degree from University of Colorado epiphany in the expectations masks and hand hygiene. In my Skaggs School of Pharmacy and of my profession and marked practice, we found it helpful that we As an ardent practitioner Pharmaceutical Sciences, Denver, the beginning of my quest for already had a diabetes registry. A of Clinical Pharmacy, what Colorado. This was where I extended clinical experience and diabetes registry is a running list of are the differences in the pleasantly discovered that clinical direct patient contact. As I learnt our diabetic patients, including their implementation of Clinical pharmacy and teaching share the to articulate the treatment goals A1Cs (The measure of glycaemic Pharmacy in the United States same genetic makeup. for each patient I encountered, I control). and Nigeria? Following my PharmD degree, began to realise that the essence With this registry, we were able Between 2009 and 2012, I I pursued postgraduate residency of what we must do as pharmacists to schedule phone appointments had the privilege of living and trainings in Pharmacy Practice is to ensure that our patients “get with patients, placing the highest practising simultaneously in and Ambulatory Care. During this there” and that they do so in a safe priority on those patients with poor Nigeria and United States. This period, I further developed my and timely manner. glucose control. As we sought to gave me the rare opportunity of skills in teaching and education by Over the years, I have learnt understand the pandemic in the observing both practices at the completing certificate trainings in to shift the focus. I no longer bear initial days, it was important that we same time. The most obvious Instructional Design and later in all the responsibility of “getting ensured that our diabetic patients difference is the extent to which teaching. my patients there”. I have learnt have no need to go to the emergency clinical pharmacists are integrated I currently practice at to empower them “to get there”. room or hospital visits for non into the health system in the United Neighborhood Health Centre, I make sure they know where COVID reasons. This meant making States, as opposed to Nigeria. in Milwaukie, Oregon. My “there” is and I strive to push certain that they can manage their The American-trained and roles in the clinic include them up in self-management of conditions effectively at home. practising clinical pharmacists collaborative management of their chronic condition as I slowly My task was to closely follow have made steady strides and chronic conditions like diabetes, recede to the background. This up with patients, and adjust their advancements into the health hypertension, dyslipidemia and skill, for me, is a game-changer medications as appropriate to ensure system with the mindset to smoking cessation; providing in a successful therapeutic reasonable glycaemic control. As I comprehensive medication reviews relationship. explained to the students on rotation continued on page 29 Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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spread October 2020 .indd 6 9/29/2020 6:49:08 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Photonews 25

}Industry News } Getz Pharma reiterates commitment to providing quality, affordable drugs to Nigerians etz Pharma, an international By Ranmilowo Ojalumo “Many people and research-driven had a template Gpharmaceutical company, before COVID-19 has said that it will continue to live and they can easily up to its mandate of formulating, change to the new developing, manufacturing, normal but there testing and marketing of a wide are some people range of quality and affordable that don’t have a medicines to Nigerians at all template they can times. leverage on. The This was disclosed during a new normal has courtesy visit of the company’s shown that you management team in Nigeria to don’t necessarily Pharmanews office in Maryland, need to be in the Lagos. office before you While familiarising can work. You can Pharmanews with the operation work from home of Getz Pharma, the company’s and that is what Business Manager, Dr Oloruntoba many organisations said: “Getz Pharma is a legal are doing now. entity in Nigeria and we have our “But for you to presence in over 33 countries in L-R: Pharmanews Copy Editor, Mr Ola Aboderin; Assistant Product Manager, be able to do this, the world. We are also extending Getz Pharma, Mrs Anuoluwapo Abigail Ojo; Business Manager, Getz Pharma, you need the basic to other countries in Africa, like Mr Funsho Oloruntoba; Pharmanews Publisher, Pharm. (Sir) Ifeanyi Atueyi; knowledge. This Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Pharmanews Editor, Mr Patrick Iwelunmor; Pharmanews Business Development was what informed “Our vision for the Nigerian Manager, Mr Moses Dike, and the Area Sales Manager, Getz Pharma, Mr Opone the webinar - to market is very simple. We want Harrison Chukwunalu, during Getz Pharma’s visit to Pharmanews office, recently. sensitise people everyone to be able to have to what needs to be done to survive in the new access to affordable, quality drugs a branded generic. learning outcome” theme. at any point in time. For instance, He explained: “Whether we normal.” “Another good thing about us Oloruntoba also revealed the we are the first company to bring is that whatever drugs we sell in like it or not, things are changing, a non-drowsy drug called Fexet with the emergence of COVID-19. company’s plan to set up a factory Nigeria are the same drugs that in Nigeria in the near future. He that is being used in the aviation are sold in other countries.” Even during this period, many industry. companies have closed down and said: “In every country that Getz While expatiating on the Pharma gets to, we are always one “We brought another drug rationale behind the highly-rated many people have equally lost called Montiget to Nigeria. The their jobs. Many people cannot of the fastest growing companies. webinar that the company held The record is there and that is good thing is that the drugs are recently, Oloruntoba said it was meet their obligations at home. So, of high quality. They have the we decided to look at how people because of our innovation and among a series of international the way we always get things same bioequivalence with the webinars initiated under the “Getz can begin to do things during the innovative drugs because we are new normal and still get results. done. As at the time we started in Velocity - Virtual engagement, continued on page 45 Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Natural Medicine 27 consumer products, mint may cause allergic reactions The minty side of life in some people, inducing Pharm. Ngozika Okoye MSc, MPH, FPCPharm symptoms such as abdominal (Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency) cramps, diarrhoea, headaches, heartburn, tingling or numbing entha piperita, a member around the mouth, anaphylaxis of the Lamiaceae family, or contact dermatitis. is distributed all over the M Economic uses and world and can be found in many environments. It is one of the potentials world’s oldest and most popular The economic importance herbs. Commonly called mint of mints is very evident Mint leaf, it is known as na’a naa in oil and its constituents and Hausa and ewe minti in Yoruba. derivatives are used as Constituents flavouring agents throughout the The main compounds of the world in food, pharmaceutical, mint leaf are essential oils. The herbal, perfumery and monoterpenes include menthol, flavouring industries. Mint oil menthone, menthyl acetate, is an ingredient in household 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), products like toothpaste, bathing menthofuran, isomenthone, soap, air freshener, chewing neomenthol and limonene, gum, sweets and inhalers. while -caryophyllene is the Mentha piperita In the local market, mint main sesquiterpene. Other as wasps, hornets, ants, and leaves cost as much as ₦650 per repelling pesty insects and portion or ₦500 per kg. Mint componentsβ are beta-pinene, cockroaches. Mint is used to pulegone, and L-carvone. attracting beneficial ones. It is treat mosquito and bee bites. leaf is economically viable both Preparations also used as an environmentally at cultivation, distribution and Mint leaves can be eaten friendly insecticide for its ability Adverse effects manufacturing sectors. fresh or added to cooked to kill some common pests, such Although it is used in many dishes. The leaf, fresh or dried, is the culinary source of mint. Fresh mint is usually preferred over dried mint. It is used in teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, and ice. Alcoholic drinks sometimes feature mint for flavour or garnish. Mint essential oil and menthol are extensively used as flavourings in breath fresheners, drinks, antiseptic mouth rinses, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts, and candies, such as mint (candy) and mint chocolate. Pharmacological actions and medicinal uses Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach ache and chest pains. It is used as an alternative or complementary therapy, mainly for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like flatulence, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and ulcerative colitis. Mint is used to treat biliary disorders, enteritis, gastritis, gastric acidities, aerophagia, spasms of the bile duct, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal tract. Mint also aids digestion, notably of fats. In recent years, it has been often recommended for treating obesity. Mint tea is also a strong diuretic. It is well documented that the essential oil and extracts of Mentha species possess antimicrobial, fungicidal, antiviral, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory properties of essential oils from mint leaf make it effective in the management of upper respiratory tract diseases; thus it is more commonly used for aromatherapy in the management of cough, sore throat, nasal infections and congestion. The essential oil from Mentha spp. is used topically to treat oral mucosal inflammation, myalgia, neuralgia, discomfort from menstrual cramps, secondary amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea, and diverticulitis. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Mint leaf is useful in the management of nipple cracks in breastfeeding mothers, as well as in treating rough heels and hair breakage. Mints are supposed to make good companion plants, Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 28 9/29/2020 6:49:13 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Industry News 29 Shalina unveils Broda Shaggi as Shal’Artem

ambassador By Adebayo Oladejo oted for its diverse range In his of quality products, Shalina remarks, Broda NHealthcare Limited has Shaggi promised unveiled famous Nigerian to enhance the comedian and actor, Animashaun Shal’Artem Samuel Perry, otherwise known brand positively, as Broda Shaggi, as the brand saying his target ambassador for its Shal’Artem henceforth is to antimalarial drug. take Shal’Artem Speaking at the media closer to the unveiling event, the Managing masses, since Director, Shalina Healthcare, Mr its reputation Somnath Malakar, said he was as a quality delighted to have Broda Shaggi as antimalarial a brand ambassador, describing product has been him as a humour merchant with a well accepted by cheerful, loving personality. all. According to the Shalina boss, Speaking there is a huge similarity between further, Shaggi, what the company does and what who is well- Broda Shaggi as a brand stands for. known for his “Broda Shaggi stands out from “Oya hit me” the crowd. He relates across the comedy skits different strata of the society. The said he was same goes for our antimalarial delighted brand. There are more than 100 that more antimalarial brands in the market, privately-owned but ours stands out because of the companies have promise of value proposition and Animashaun Samuel Perry “Broda Shaggi”, signing an MOU with the Managing started noticing quality proposition. And I think that Director, Shalina Healthcare Limited, Mr Somnath Malakar, and Regional Marketing him, as well as is how good brands coincide in Manager (West Africa), Pharm. Folorunso Alaran, at the company’s corporate office his effort in the terms of success story,” he said. in Lagos. entertainment Malakar noted that malaria connect and understand the brand marketing manager (West Africa), industry, stressing that he would remains a critical disease that Shal’Artem even more because, and Pharm. Emeka Adimoha, do everything within his capacity causes illness and death in children Broda Shaggi as a brand relates superintendent pharmacist, Shalina to be a good ambassador of the and adults in Africa, with about 91 with every Nigerian. Healthcare, said Shal’Artem drugs company. per cent of all malaria deaths in “His simplicity, his ability to are indicated for the treatment “For my brand, my main the world today occurring in the stand out in the midst of several of P. falciparum malaria cases objective is to pass the message region. others and the way he reaches out resistant to both chloroquine and across. I am not a pharmacist, I am He disclosed further that across the strata of the society… sulphadoxine pyrimethamine an actor. I have to understand more malaria case management remains and for that time frame when combination, adding that Shalina is about more about the drug and a vital component of the malaria people listen to him and see his a trusted name in quality medicine bring it down to the level of people control strategies, adding that video, they tend to forget the real in Nigeria.. who really need it. Shal’Artem Shalina Healthcare provides problems of life, the pain they are According to Alaran: is very popular, so it will be very range of WHO recommended going through; that is relatability,” “Shal’Artem has come of age. As easy for me to pass the message Artemisinin-based combination he said. a company, it is the first choice in across,” Szhaggi said. products at an affordable price, Continuing, the Shalina boss the treatment of malaria. Amongst With an end-to-end supply saying Shal’Artem contains WHO said the deal will see the actor as the various brands in the market, chain, Shalina Healthcare Limited approved formulations which are the face of the brand for the next we make bold to say that we have is presently in nine countries on used as the first line treatment in three years, with an option to renew the largest number of variants. For the African continent, including uncomplicated falciparum malaria. the contract upon the expiration of every single member of the family - Angola, Democratic Republic of Speaking further, Malakar the endorsement deal. from infancy to adulthood - there is Congo, Central African Republic, said that the collaboration with Similarly, the duo of Pharm. a Shal’Artem designed particularly Nigeria, and Ghana. Broda Shaggi will help Nigerians Folorunso Alaran, regional for them”.

can I do what I am currently doing, better?” “How can I improve my Channel your entrepreneurial disposition towards service to the patients or doctors clinical practice, Nwizu tasks Nigerian pharmacists or nurses or even my fellow pharmacist?” continued from page 23 clinical practice then erodes the to include courses that develop Think efficiency, think continue expanding their frontiers. knowledge. It becomes a case of the skills needed to expand the effectiveness. Do not waste your Pharmacists in the United States chicken and the egg - which came frontiers of pharmacy services. time. This will come in very handy identify care gaps and move in to first. We must find ways to make our These skills include leadership, as you seek employment in the fill those gaps. As a result, their knowledge translate to patient care. project management, and process United States. Most employers service is always meaningful and We must also find ways to bring our improvement. want pharmacists who have such appreciated. entrepreneurial mindset to clinical Finally, and as mentioned leadership skills. Another difference is the pharmacy practice. earlier, we must bring our Mentorship is very important. practice culture, which I think entrepreneurial spirit to the Finding the right mentor can be stems from the difference in In what ways can Nigerian advancement of clinical pharmacy a powerful tool for professional training. The US PharmD training pharmacists improve the practice. growth. Consider people you requires over 1600 hours of practice of Clinical Pharmacy? already know or ask for referrals experiential learning. Pharmacists I think it is important for How would you advise when choosing a mentor. Your who practise in clinical settings pharmacists in Nigeria to younger pharmacists who mentor should be someone who undergo additional experiential understand the history of the are aspiring to practise in the has enough time to dedicate to learning (residency training) for a development of clinical pharmacy Diaspora? developing a positive mentorship year or more. In fact, more hospitals in the United States and indeed The pharmacy profession relationship. As a result, avoid and health systems now require other parts of the world, so as to in the United States is now very choosing someone solely because residency training or more to be successfully build our own models. competitive, due to a saturated of their popularity. qualified for higher level clinical This model may be tweaked to suit market. Obtaining the PharmD is Finally, cultivate the habit of pharmacy practice. The result is our own practice environment, but now required to be considered for learning. Learning does not stop that the clinical pharmacists in it is important that we think through most jobs. There are opportunities when you graduate. Pharmacy the US are comfortable in clinical our strategies. to obtain the PharmD in Nigeria practice requires lifelong learning. settings, direct patient care and We must realise that frontiers as well as in the US. There are You can do this by participating are skilled in interacting with are conquered one at a time. There universities in the United States in planned or deliberate learning physicians and other members of are multiple areas of care gaps that offer the PharmD degree activities, such as degree the healthcare team. in the Nigerian health system programme to pharmacists who programmes, professional With the Nigerian pharmacist, and pharmacists can position are still practising in their own continuing education etc. It can I have noticed a stronger themselves to fill those needs. I countries. This is worth exploring. also be in non-pharmacy related entrepreneurial disposition. believe we can focus on the skills It is important that what you do education. You will be surprised Something in the training or culture needed to identify problems and where you are right now counts. how this may tie into clinical pushes them to create business articulate solutions, bearing in Whether you are a student or pharmacy practice and serves you opportunities for themselves. This mind the culture we are in. We currently employed, it is important well in as you apply to different mindset is not common in the US. need more meaningful projects that you seek to improve the opportunities. In my interaction with clinical or research supporting the practice where you are. Some of pharmacists in Nigeria, what I see involvement of clinical pharmacists these changes do not require a lot lacking is not the knowledge, but in direct patient care. and do not have to be huge. Always it is in the practice. The lack of Our curriculum also needs ask yourself the question, “How Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 30 9/29/2020 6:49:29 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Health & Wealth 31 Faith it, until you make it By Pharm. Sesan Kareem Faith embodies more than aith is the standard educable mentally retarded”. belief. Faith elevates one’s operating procedure of The teacher came from behind being, while belief is limited to human life. God has made the desk and he looked at him a mental state or emotion; but F they both work pari passu. Since it an integral part of human and he said, “Don’t ever say that existence, so that anyone in the again, someone’s opinion of you faith implies a trusting reliance world can achieve his vision and does not have to become your upon future events or outcome, experience growth with all its reality.” it is synonymous with belief. You benefits and blessings. Put your That was the intervention must have faith in a brighter and trust in God always and enjoy that changed his life. And for the rewarding future. For questions or comments, mail unshakable confidence in Him. first time in a long time, he was Faith is also different from or text sesankareem2@gmail. With faith, it is possible to live able to have faith in himself and hope. Hope is maybe, faith is com/08072983163 our lives intelligently. that was the beginning of a new must be. Hope is good, faith dreams, goals or aspirations, for Faith is a state of mind that dawn in Lewis’ life. is better. Faith is having deep you never know how right they leads you to believe in yourself. The first step towards conviction in your heart that you truly are until you put them into Lack of faith often leads to greatness is to have faith in God can accomplish any goal you set action. fear, doubt, unbelief, anxiety, and in yourself. Faith is helpful for yourself. depression, lack of confidence in overcoming fear, just as the Belief is the brother of faith. Believe in yourself, you will and unproductiveness. above story has highlighted. Belief is the simplest form of do your best. Let me share with you the Faith is complete confidence in mental representation and one of story of one of the world’s best something, which is not subject the building blocks of conscious ACTION PLAN: Study motivational speakers, who to logical or experimental proof. thought. Below are tips on how to biographies of great people happens to be my online mentor. Faith is the acceptance of an believe in yourself: and learn how they were able His name is Lewis Brown. He established criterion as a basis to achieve great feats with the was born in Miami, Florida, in of reality. Learn how to make decisions power of faith. Use the power an abandoned building, on a Have you ever seen God? based on your experience. of affirmation, based on the hard linoleum floor with his twin No, but you have faith in Him. You Set realisable goals for principle of repetition and brother. They were both adopted must have full faith in yourself, in yourself. emotion to develop your belief six weeks after their birth. When order to fulfil your destiny. Faith Recognise when you achieve system. Be faithful with your he was in the 5th grade, he was enables you to overcome your your goals, so that you will build faith. labelled as “educable mentally weaknesses, American writer your confidence. retarded” and stayed in this and well-known author, Christian When you fail, find out the AFFIRMATION: I can do category until he got out of high Bovee, remarked, “They are the reasons you did. anything I set my mind on. I am school. weakest, however strong, who Use realistic expectations to blessed and highly favoured. Lewis, however, met a high have no faith in themselves or judge your success. school teacher that changed his their own powers.” Listen to critics, but never let Sesan Kareem helps life. One day, the teacher said to Put your fortune in good them convince you that you are leaders and business entities him, “Young man, go to the board hands, your own hands. Whether less than you are. to imbibe the belief system and write what I am about to tell you think you can or think you Give your time and energy and motivation to grow, thrive you”. He said, “I can’t do it sir.” cannot, you are right. Have a to others, it really helps in and excel in our ever-changing The teacher said, “Why not?” living faith in the power God has developing yourself. world. and he replied, “Because I’m deposited in you. Don’t give up on your

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spread October 2020 .indd 2 9/29/2020 6:48:50 AM 33 Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10

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spread October 2020 .indd 3 9/29/2020 6:48:54 AM 34 }Senior Citizen} Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 My popularity made doctors think I was practising unethically - Ogundare By Moses Dike n this exciting interview, Pharm. Jacob Ogundare, eminent community pharmacist and managing pharmacy in Ibadan – Jacco Pharmacy International Limited - director of Jacco Pharmacy, Ibadan, recounts some of the highpoints of his career in community at Ago-Taylor. My experience in pharmacy practice, as well as some of the principles that have helped to shape his life over the years. Ibadan was very much similar to I the Lagos experience. In fact, my The octogenarian, who is also a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, equally delves into his experience revealed that people early life, education and lifestyle measures that help him to keep fit and trendy in old age. Excerpts: prefer to go to a pharmacy for treatment than to a clinic. Please tell us about your Jacco Pharmacy was a early life and education. household name in Ibadan I was born in Lagos on 23 July and Oyo State generally. I later 1940. My father was a businessman included pharmacy wholesale to in Lagos. When I was eight years my business. I have no regret to old, my parents returned to our practise community pharmacy. hometown in Esie, Kwara State, when my father was crowned as If you were not a community Chief Bale Kofoworola of Esie pharmacist, what else would Town. This chieftainship was the you have preferred to become? second-in-command to the king, In my last year in the university, the Elesie of Esie Town. I had a singular opportunity to Esie is the home of stone visit Wellcome Pharmaceutical images, a “tourist attraction” Limited, a pharmaceutical town. All the past presidents of manufacturing company in Ikeja, Nigeria had visited Esie to see the Lagos, during a holiday. I always “miracle” of the stone images. Esie spent my holidays in Lagos. I Town is only 25km from Ilorin, the was taken round the facilities by Kwara State capital. Thousands of Pharmacist Adedipe, who was foreigners visit the town annually. the production pharmacist. Since I am the last of four children then, I developed interest in of my parents. I started primary pharmaceutical manufacturing, school late at the age of ten years but money is always a big factor; at St. Michael’s School, Esie, the hence I started with community only school where even children pharmacy practice. from other nearby villages When the opportunity came, attended. When I was in primary I sold my retail and wholesale six, some of us were selected to business and with financial write entrance examination into resources from certain quarters, some secondary schools in the I started pharmaceutical northern part of Nigeria. I was manufacturing in 1986. It was the only one that was admitted to located in my hometown, Esie. Government College, Keffi, now in However, before the project Nasarawa State. My West African fully took off, it failed, due to Examination Council (WAEC) circumstances beyond my result was excellent. control. I later transferred the I gained admission to the project to Ibadan. Today, I thank School of Pharmacy, Ahmadu God for His mercies endure Bello University, Zaria, now in forever. Kaduna State. I was the secretary Pharm. Jacob Ogundare to the Pharmacy Students Union The concept of community for two terms of two years. I was a pharmacy practice in member of the university football God continue to guide us aright. practice is not an exception. When Nigeria is having its share of team and table tennis. I graduated challenges, ranging from the in 1968. I started community pharmacy What have been your major in Lagos, I had to partner with a encroachment by charlatans principles of life these years businessman from my area who and patent medicine vendors You recently joined the to fake drugs issues and so on. league of octogenarians when and what are the values that had plenty of money. I opened th have helped to shape your a pharmacy opposite Jankara How do you think these issues you marked your 80 birthday can be successfully tackled? in July. What does this new age attitude to life? market in 1970. Life is not a bed of roses, it Community pharmacy The laws of Pharmacy are mean to you and what lessons of in the hands of pharmacists, life have you learnt these past is full of challenges. When I look practice has its exciting and back to those years, I give glory interesting moments. You meet particularly since the Pharmacists years? Council of Nigeria (PCN) controls An adage says, “Experience to God and sincerely appreciate with different types of people - the His divine grace upon my life. rich and the poor – and thereby and regulates the patent medicine is the best teacher”. When I look vendors. They are the greatest back, there are some things I God has sustained me through the you make many friends. One day, “thick and thin” of life. Hence, I a woman patient was brought to challenge and obstacle to the could have done differently which pharmacy profession. The PCN perhaps would have altered the tightly hold on to four principles. me, with her eyes heavily swollen, These are: Prayerfulness, which and she was scratching her body and NAFDAC should descend course of my life. heavily on them, including the For instance, when I travelled is the essential ingredient to profusely. Having asked several move closer to God; humbleness questions, I discovered it was an charlatans. to India in 1986, I met a number When I was the Chairman of pharmaceutical companies. All - being humble in character allergy. So, I gave her some drugs and behaviour; integrity, which and let her stay in the pharmacy of the then National Association I was discussing was to import of General Practice Pharmacists some selected products, instead steadfast adherence to a strict for about one-and-a-half hours. moral or ethical code; and By the end of her stay, she had (NAGPP) now known as of negotiating for partnership Association of Community to bring one or two of them to honesty, which is the quality of recovered considerably. By the being truthful and dependable. following day, she had recovered Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Nigeria. Few years later, two of in Oyo State, my team did not give the companies came to Nigeria to These are the pillars that have completely. That was the helped to guide and shape my life. beginning of my fame among the them any breathing space. We partner with Nigerian companies descended heavily on them and and their products are very Prayers and the other principles people in that area. And I become greatly helped to shape my attitude their “doctor”. It was so serious they feared my team whenever popular in Nigeria till today. we were out. Maybe if I had taken the to life and my career. Therefore, I that one practising medical doctor express sincere appreciation to in that area closed his clinic and The number of patent right decision, my life could medicines allowed for them have changed. It is a regrettable my amiable and hardworking wife relocated. who solidly stood by me. But now However, after a while, I to sell should be drastically experience of life. So, the position reduced. Any violation by them you are today is a product of I give glory to God, I am back on resigned and parted way with my feet again. the businessman due to frequent should be dealt with. Let them your decision or indecision realise that we are in control. and whatever it is, it affects and misunderstandings. I was What factors motivated you employed by J.L Morison Sons Thank God they failed to hijack influences not only your life but the pharmacy profession. several thousand others, either to choose community pharmacy and Jones in 1972. In that year I positively or negatively. Move of all fields of pharmacy was made area manager for the practice and how would you southwest and transferred to The last 80 years for you, nearer to God and be prayerful like every other person, must to be able to divinely take right describe your experience in it? Ibadan to open the Ibadan branch. decisions, at the right moment In the majority of cases, I resigned from Morison in 1977. and at the right occasion. May money is the determinant factor The Lagos experience continued on page 42 to choose a career, and pharmacy motivated me to start my own Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 35 9/29/2020 6:49:44 AM } 36 }CEO of the Month Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Nigeria’s fiscal policy unfriendly to pharma manufacturers – Verghese By Patrick Iwelunmor and Matthew Anani people, Despite NAFDAC’s tireless particularly in crusades, the distribution of fake Lagos State, and substandard drugs is still an where they did issue. What do you think is really their best. wrong? Apart Yes, fake and substandard drugs from the are still in circulation. NAFDAC commendable is trying its best but I feel the efforts of federal government should equip government at them better, in terms of providing the state level, more task force, funding and other quite a number logistics to enable them function of private optimally. The task force should be organisations supported by the police and other donated relevant security agencies so they palliatives and can take some fast actions because other equipment fake drugs don’t fall from heaven required to but through our land, air and water manage the borders. situation. GT People import fake and banned Bank set up a drugs like tramadol and codeine, COVID-19 centre. only to declare them as motor Also, the Indian spare parts. Only a well-equipped Community in NAFDAC, in collaboration with Nigeria set up a other security agencies, can fish hospital in Ajao out such concealments. The federal Estate; while government should provide more the Lagos State funding for NAFDAC to function Government properly, otherwise, the dangerous also moved fast trend will continue. to identify some private hospitals What would you consider Chief Varkey Verghese which could the biggest challenge facing ith over 40 years of doing business and living in Nigeria, Chief Varkey complement the pharmaceutical industry in their efforts. Nigeria? Verghese, an Indian of high repute, has come to see himself as a Nigerian All those What is most important is that and a stakeholder in the nation’s progress. An alumnus of some of the world’s steps led to the local pharmaceutical manufacturers W are not given protection, in terms of most prestigious business schools, his leadership and management skills have inspired creation of so the fiscal policy being operated in him to establish many successful business enterprises, including the JAWA Group of many testing centres. Apart Nigeria. Manufacturers pay duty Companies, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. In from the testing on virtually everything. Apart from this exclusive interview with Pharmanews, he dissects issues bordering on his foray centre in Yaba, duty, we also pay Value Added into pharmaceutical manufacturing, the COVID-19 experience and the challenges you could go Tax, even on raw materials. This is unheard of in any other country. bedevilling the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria. Excerpts: to any of the government- In most countries, you enjoy Can you please tell us about and so, it was not difficult for us to approved private hospitals for tax and duty holidays on certain your leadership motivation and reactivate the idea when COVID-19 testing. types of import but in Nigeria, it is a orientation? became an issue. different ball game. After paying all My motivation is that I have Having met production Many had expected that these bills, the cost of production been in Nigeria for the last 40 years requirements by NAFDAC Africa would be the worst hit becomes too high. and I had the privilege of working in standards, it was expedient that we but against the run of play, more The federal government should a group earlier for about 12 years. produced in large quantities. In fact, advanced countries like France also prioritise the development The chairman of that company was it is one of our biggest contributions and the United States suffered of our local capacities in terms of a very young and enterprising in the fight against COVID-19. Even more casualties. What do you creating the enabling environment man. I was a group director in that NAFDAC patronised us. Many think was responsible for this? for manufacturers to source their company and was relating with banks and corporate organisations Basically, I have discussed with raw materials within the country. him very closely. This gave me the in Nigeria are still buying from us. quite a number of Indian doctors in It is not everything that we should opportunity to learn a lot of things Our product, WOSAN, comes in Nigeria about this issue and they import from overseas. You will agree from him which put me in good different sizes, according to the all feel that the African continent with me that since the government stead for the future. requirements of our customers. has better immunity against such banned the importation of IV fluids, After 10 years, I started my diseases. Scientifically, COVID-19 local manufacturers have risen own company with the earnings I is a weak virus, compared to to the occasion and have been had saved from my previous work. How would you say the viruses like Ebola but it can only producing. They can even export to I started JAWA with some partners pandemic has affected the wreak havoc when one’s immunity other countries in the West African and we had two other companies – pharmaceutical industry is compromised. sub-region. one was dealing in imports, while generally? The kind of food that Nigerians the other was in chemicals. After a For us in the pharmaceutical take - you know, you have a lot of What is your candid advice while, I consolidated my personal industry, when the COVID-19 issue herbs for your soup – like ugwu to indigenous pharmaceutical business and concentrated on started, there was a lockdown. Many (pumpkin leaf) and bitter leaf. manufacturers, especially in pharmaceutical manufacturing. factors slowed down production. These are very powerful herbs view of the harsh economic My leadership orientation There was restriction of movement which can build immunity. It realities, occasioned by stemmed from my background, and transportation was not freely basically boils down to the fact that COVID-19? first as a graduate of the available. Most of us had to operate if your immunity is good, COVID-19 Yes, the situation is harsh but agricultural sciences; after which at about 50 per cent of our normal cannot affect you. Even if it does, the the federal government has done I attended quite a number of capacity. The first three months effects would be inconsequential. It quite a number of things to help business schools, including the were very tough but those who is a God-given protection that you the situation. They have given Administrative Staff College, India; had stocks were able to sell in the Africans are enjoying with such a hundred billion naira long- INSEAD Paris; the Lagos Business midst of the pandemic because the immunity. term loan to the pharmaceutical School, and Harvard, amongst demand was there. Later months industries to upgrade their others. The trainings, management witnessed a gradual improvement Do you think there is hope manufacturing capacity and programmes and leadership skills due to the partial easing of the in herbal medical research and expand local production. that these institutions imparted to lockdown. development for breakthroughs It is a very welcome thing that me helped to shape my leadership in the management of infectious they have done. Quite a number orientation. Do you think the federal diseases such as COVI9-19? of pharmaceutical industries are government responded Frankly, there is hope. Going by going for it and they will use it to What can you say is appropriately to the emergency? the different herbal endowments expand and improve their factories, the JAWA story regarding the To me, it looked like they that the continent has. You will agree put up some new facilities, COVID-19 pandemic? responded adequately because that most of the basic medicines amongst other things. This is very In terms of our COVID-19 the Presidential Task Force was that we produce in Africa come encouraging. I have been doing experience, we saw the need to set up immediately under the able from herbs. That is why I think the business in Nigeria in the last 40 go into the production of hand leadership of the Secretary to the government is supporting NIPRD to years and I encourage us not to lose sanitizers and disinfectants. We Government of the Federation, Boss carry out more research in the area hope but to continue working hard had started the hand sanitizer Mustapha. Things started moving. of herbal medicine. because the future will be brighter production during the Ebola days, At the state level, they mobilised than it is today. Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 37 9/29/2020 6:50:01 AM } 38 }Pharma Engineering Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Difference between positive and negative pressure Pharma Engineering containment systems with Fozi Alkailani By Fozi Alkailani [email protected] solators are an arrangement means that the pressure inside Tel: 09077753625 of physical barriers that use the containment system is Icontainment as a strategy greater than the pressure outside pressure of at least +60 Pa that exhaust. to create an enclosed working it. To illustrate, when you deflate serves not only as a physical In a negative air pressure space detached from the a balloon, air rushes out because barrier, but also a dynamic containment system, the air surrounding environment. the air pressure in the balloon is pressure barrier to protect the pressure in the isolator is lower Isolators enable manipulation higher than the pressure of the Isolator Class A (ISO 5) from than the pressure outside it. This of the processes within the ambient air. Positive pressure particulates. is achieved by running the inlet enclosed space from the outside is achieved by running exhaust Negative pressure air at 10-30 per cent lower than without compromising integrity. air at 10 – 15 per cent lower than containment systems are used the supply air. Isolators have to perform supply air. to protect the operator and Negative pressure is two functions. They are a key Positive pressure the environment from unsafe maintained from -30 to -20 control measure in protecting containment systems are used material, including a wide Pa, to prevent particles from operators and the environment in industries where the integrity range of potent or hazardous escaping the isolator. This from exposure to potent of the process must be kept molecules, active ingredients serves as the physical barrier, molecules, many of which can sacrosanct. In the pharmaceutical and volatile drugs. In hospitals, but also a dynamic pressure be hazardous to health. They industry, positive pressure they are also used to quarantine barrier to protect the cleanroom can also help to protect the containment systems are used seriously contagious patients. Class A (ISO 5) from escaping product from microbiological in sterile processes when Negative air pressure particulates. contamination and related protecting the process is of systems are the perfect choice Negative pressure factors during material handling particular importance, and the to minimise airborne toxins containment systems can be and operations. priority is keeping any possible from escaping the isolator equipped with just about any Isolators use a variety of germs or contaminants out of the and entering the cleanroom type of pharmaceutical process methods to ensure the integrity of isolator. In the event of a leak, environment. Windows are that is needed. the clean environment, including clean air is forced out of the sealed, and as a result of the Fabtech’s containment positive and negative pressure isolator, rather than contaminants lower pressure, air flows into systems can be used for tablet systems that are maintained being allowed in. the isolator rather than outside and capsule manufacturing, through closed-loop control of Isolators are fitted out with it. To illustrate, when you push injectables, APIs and customised the chamber pressure. In this gas board systems to remove an empty bottle into a bucket of solutions from the laboratory post, we highlight the differences oxygen (O2), and moisture (H2O) water right side up, water flows to production scale. Get in between positive and negative from helium, argon, nitrogen, into the bottle because it has a touch with Mr Fozi to know pressure systems and their uses or whichever combination is lower pressure than the water more information about our in pharmaceutical and biotech called for to create an ideal surrounding it. containment systems. industries. inert (chemically inactive) Negative air pressure is The first significant point of atmosphere. For example, maintained in the work area, Fozi Al Kailani is the regional difference between the two is that when working with flammable relative to the interchange Manager of Fabtech Techonolgies positive pressure containment products that react readily to compartment. Negative pressure Africa Limited. Contact: systems protect the process while oxygen. containment systems are of two 09077753625, fozi.alkailani@ negative protects the person. Isolators for aseptic types – recirculating air or total fabtechnologies.com Positive pressure essentially applications have a positive

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 38 9/29/2020 6:50:07 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 39

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} } 40 }}Issues & Perspectives Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Purposeful pharmaceutical research and national development By Pharm. (Dr) Lolu Ojo, BPharm, MBA, PharmD, FPCPharm, FPSN, FNAPharm

ll research works certainly ascribed to lack of development The plans are usually drawn have a purpose behind plans; we have them in abundance. up without consultations that will Athem but not all of them can Two years after independence, address the need of the people be described as appropriate and we had the first National from bottom up. There is no good rightly directed. A research work Development Plan Policy, which governance and development is purposeful and appropriate was formulated between 1962 plans become a mirage and when its outcome can be used and 1968, with the objectives of unachievable, as it takes good to solve problems of national development opportunities in leadership to translate ideas development. health, education, employment into reality. For most of our National development is the and improving access to the leaders, there is no sense of ability of a country to improve the opportunities created. commitment. social welfare of the people by This plan failed due to lack According to Mimiko (1998), providing social amenities like of resources, as only 14 per cent the leaders are only interested in good education, infrastructures, of the expected external funding access to power and privileges medical care and social services; was received; and there was and not development. while purposeful research is the the civil war, which led to the There is high level process of arriving at dependable collapse of the First Republic. The of corruption and solutions to problems through second National Development indiscipline in the planned and systematic Plan (1970 -1974) came after the all government collection, analysis and civil war and priorities were on agencies and interpretation of data. agriculture, industry, transport, departments, which The developed countries manpower, defence, electricity, serve as a bottleneck have taken great strides to communication, water supply and to the execution of ensure that their citizens enjoy development plans. provision of social services. From How will a good plan good amenities and that is why all indications, we really do not we have constant emigration of become successful need to argue about the success in the hands of our people to Europe and the or failure of this plan. United States of America, as corrupt executors? The third plan was for the The Nigerian they have developed a system period between 1975 and 1980 that takes care of all inhabitants. economy is and was more ambitious than monolithic in terms These countries are the leaders the previous ones, as there was into developmental strides. This in scientific breakthroughs, of foreign exchange earning. The creativity or innovativeness is emphasis on rural development, country rises and falls according as well as technological and reactivation of the agricultural anchored on research which is infrastructural development. to the dictates of the foreign oil best described as the careful sector and so on, but like its market. Today, we are in trouble Conversely, the developing predecessors, it failed to achieve examination of an object and countries, as exemplified by because of the low price of crude situation for the purpose of the set targets. oil. If we can recall, in the 1950s Nigeria, are still backward in The fourth development plan effecting societal development their developmental efforts and and the 1960s, agriculture was and improvement. It is a (1981-1985) aimed to achieve the mainstay of the economy; but struggling with the basic needs improvements in the living systematic work undertaken to of life. They have problems this was neglected as soon as increase the stock of knowledge conditions of the populace, with we discovered oil in commercial with virtually everything and targeted increase in the real including knowledge of humanity, they depend on the developed quantities. Our economy is not culture and society, and the use of income of the average citizen, diversified and that is why we countries for infrastructures, more even distribution of income this stock of knowledge to define medical care and education of suffer from dislocations and lack new applications (OECD, 2012). among individuals and a reduction of sustainable development. their citizens. in the level of unemployment According to Duncan Macdonald, “The common facts and underdevelopment. Backlash on health Necessity of national Unfortunately, like the previous of today are the products of development It is not a surprise then that, yesterday’s research”. Research ones before it, the objectives today, Nigeria has one of the worst National development is very of the plan were not achieved. has also been described as critical to the survival and growth health indices in the world. We a “systematic and objective The enormous wealth from oil have failed in all measurements of any nation. According to the exploration was not invested to search for knowledge, to Kothari Commission (1964-66), of development, which are Gross establish theories and prove the build a viable industrial base for Domestic Product (GDP), Gross it is hinged on six basic features, the country. Our leaders forgot the truth of ideas, hypotheses and which include confidence in National Income (GNP), Life assumptions.” These definitions eternal words of Ernest Agyemang expectancy, Education index, nation, continuous rise in standard Yeboah that “They that milk the or descriptions hold for all of living of the masses, reduction Mean years of schooling index manners of research, whether cow every day without feeding it and Income Index put together as of unemployment, equal well must never complain about social, educational or scientific. opportunities for social, political Human Development Index (HDI). It is a search, according to Lucky how it keeps growing lean.” From the UNDP’s 2018 report, and economic development, All the programmes that Osaretin Odia (2013), which good and impartial administration Nigeria’s HDI value was 0.534, requires care and diligence for were launched to harness these which put the country in the low and mutual understanding and plans ended up in failure - from new facts. sense of cooperation amongst the human development category “Operation Feed the Nation” to and a positioning of 158 out of 189 masses. “Green Revolution”. The various In a seminar paper, Lucky Thus, a country is said to countries. The most disturbing Osaretin Odia (2013), asked four strategies that were adopted to part is that this rating falls below be developed when it is able to put the country on the path of questions to link research work provide a qualitative life for its that of the Democratic Republic with national development. These development did not produce of Congo (HDI = 0. 459), Ethiopia citizens; when there is equitable any concrete result. These are: distribution of wealth, provision (HDI = 0.470) and the entire sub- Is a nation’s level of strategies included the Structural Saharan Africa, at 0.507. of good healthcare, education, Adjustment Programme (SAP), development a function of housing and other essential For the same measurement, research initiative structure? Vision 2020, National Economic the life expectancy at birth and the services that improve individual Empowerment and Development Is a nation’s degree of and collective quality of life. mean years of schooling was 54.3 progress a function of its research Strategy (NEEDS) and others, years and 6.5 years respectively, Quite regrettably, Nigeria including the slogan from the administrative efficiency? has failed to meet up with the compared with Congo (60.4 and Does the pattern/quality of current administration with Vision 6.8), Ethiopia (66.2 and 2.8) and development strides that can 2020. None of these has achieved research funding determine a make it to be classified as a sub-Saharan Africa (61.2 and 5.7). nation’s level of development? anything that development Clearly, Nigeria has sub- developed nation. In the last connotes. Does a nation’s level of six decades, Nigeria keeps optimised her potential in terms investment in research and battling with the problems of of development. We have failed to development determine its pace Forces of failure provide the requisite leadership development, in spite of huge We need to ask ourselves why of advancement in science and human, material and natural for Africa to move forward after the technology? these development plans have horrendous years of slavery and resources in her possession. We failed and the factors that are All these questions were have failed to meet up in all the colonisation. The most worrisome answered in the affirmative responsible for the failure. To start aspect is: who cares? Certainly indices of development and our with, there is lack of executive through a thoroughly conducted rating remains very low, even not the current leadership at all research. The linkage between capacity for the implementation levels. among the nations that are less or execution of the plans that are research and national endowed. usually painstakingly drawn up. development has been proved in Panacea of research this paper and by other authorities The people entrusted with the Research is man’s ability to Catalogue of failed plans implementation usually lack the before and after its publication. Interestingly, the failure of creatively or innovatively create (Continues next edition) requisite authority or they are new things that galvanise society Nigeria over the years cannot be utterly incompetent. Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 40 9/29/2020 6:50:16 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 41

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spread October 2020 .indd 7 9/29/2020 6:49:13 AM } 42 }University News Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 UNN’s COVID-19 drugs COMING EVENTS near advanced stage - 93rd PSN National Conference NAPA chairman Holds in Osogbo, Osun State By Ranmilowo Ojalumo he Pharmaceutical Society Practice & Regulation”, will also of Nigeria (PSN) is set be hosted virtually. s the world continues to hold its 93rd National The PSN National Secretary, to battle the COVID-19 T Conference, tagged Omoluabi Pharm. (Chief) Emeka Duru, Apandemic, pharmacists at 2020, from 2 to 7 November, 2020 explained reasons for the the University of Nigeria, Nsukka at the De Distinguished Event introduction of the virtual (UNN) are intensifying efforts Centre, Osogbo, Osun State. conference, saying it is to towards developing drugs that The Conference themed: provide opportunity for more can treat the symptoms of the “Technological Revolution: pharmacists, including those in deadly virus. Adaptation in Pharmaceutical the Diaspora to attend and be According to the Chairman, Manufacturing, Pharmacy part of the conference. UNN Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA), Dr Chukwuemeka Ubaka, local research towards finding might change. Therefore, it pharmacists in the institution solutions for the management of will be important for Nigeria have embarked on various the virus, stressing that Nigerians government to continue to fund research works, which have are likely to appreciate local local research on local solutions reached advanced stages, drugs or vaccines than imported for the management of the adding that the university will ones. virus and this could be better hopefully come up with active He said: “The race for an accepted by its citizens. molecules that will treat the effective and safe vaccine “It is also becoming difficult virus by next year. Dr Chukwuemeka Ubaka globally is on. There will be to insist that people should Disclosing this to compromises as clinical stages retain the personal protective Pharmanews in an interview, we hope one of the studies are being rushed and the effects strategies; but if an effective Ubaka explained that would have come up with active of these vaccines might only treatment or vaccine is available, pharmacists in the institution are molecules or herbal products be seen after long time use by it might help to reduce the determined to curb the spread that could have a safe and the population. The Nigerian incidence and mortality of this of the virus in Nigeria. effective action against such citizenry are not yet disposed to disease”, the NAPA chairman He said: “At the University of viral infections”, Ubaka said. taking these vaccines when they stressed. Nigeria, Nsukka, three key efforts He also charged the Nigeria begin to arrive, but perceptions have been put into action as part government to continue to fund of pharmacists’ contribution to the fight against COVID-19. First, members of the faculty, either as a department or as individuals My popularity made doctors think I was have engaged themselves in the massive production of quality practising unethically - Ogundare hand sanitizers. continued from page 34 “This became necessary and timely because the market was have been dotted by some high delivery”, one of the people flooded with very poor-quality and low moments. Looking arranged to monitor me once sanitizers and disinfecting back generally, what would said to me. Thus, Jacco Pharmacy agents. But pharmacists at you consider as your most became a household name UNN produced sanitizer gels memorable moments? in Ibadan. I added wholesale and sprays at World Health Life is full of ups and downs. to my business. Thank God, I Organisation (WHO) approved I have experienced my own practised community pharmacy standards, which were made share of these in many positive successfully without any negative available to nearby hospitals and negative ways. Fellowship incident. and pharmacies.” award is a distinguished honour The UNN NAPA chairman given by a professional body to Tell us a little about added, as a second strategy, a member who has served that your family. Did any of your that academic pharmacists body meritoriously. The award children take after you to study at the institution were largely of “Fellow” given to me in 1994 Pharmacy or any health-related involved, at individual levels, in is considered a “memorable disciplines? the increase of awareness of the occasion” to me. It shows a point Parents should not impose disease among various groups of of greatest achievement in my any career on their children. people, including the university professional career, and also It is important to guide and Pharm. Jacob Ogundare community, places of worship that the PSN realised my selfless advise them. Some children do services to the body. demonstrate or show inclination and other virtual professional What advice do you have groups globally. It is a great honour and I towards certain careers, if you sincerely appreciate it. I travelled watch them closely. If parents for the younger generation of “Thirdly, various research pharmacists on coping with groups in the faculty are deeply to Jos, Plateau State, with my impose any career, they may not amiable and loving wife to receive do well with it in life. It is better to their professional challenges? involved in the discovery of active The younger generation compounds for the symptomatic the award. let them choose their own career. When I left Lagos for Ibadan, Incidentally, none of my of pharmacists are very much treatment of COVID-like impatient. Re-orientation of respiratory diseases. A number I started my own pharmacy children studied Pharmacy or any in Ibadan – Jacco Pharmacy health-related disciplines. We are attitudes towards life generally has of these research groups are International. My experience was a family of six children and all of to start from schools, by inviting nearing funding by local and similar to the Lagos experience. them are graduates in different professionals outside the school to international bodies, while One day, a mother brought her disciplines. All honour and glory teach moral standard and ethical reaching very advanced stages child by 9 am, almost in comatose to God. codes of life. They themselves must before pre-clinical trials”, the state. After careful questions, I What activities do you imbibe a strong character; they NAPA chairman said. realised that the child was having currently engage in to maintain must refuse to be discouraged by Ubaka stated that the results a severe case of malaria. I gave your health? everyday challenges. They must of the research efforts are the child malaria drug plus other I have an immobile gymnastic be performing their duties with expected to be out by next year drugs. bicycle at home which I ride intense concentration, and must to combat the deadly pandemic, At our closing time of 8 pm, three or more times a week for be hard-working, focused and saying the remaining days in the mother, the father and family about 30 to 45 minutes each time. diligent. the year is are short for the members came to thank me. The To complement my exercise, I Whatever religion they completion of the work. child had started playing. It was do eat plenty of vegetables and practise, they must be very “Currently, some members disclosed that they had taken fruits, such as oranges, apples prayerful. If they sincerely believe have identified potential active the child to a clinic a few days and bananas regularly. I also do and have faith, prayers will help compounds that could help in before. So, I became popular. take some vitamin pills, vitamin them greatly to overcome the the management of the viral Then the doctors around Ago- B-complex, phytonutrients and challenges of life. They should infection, but the end of the year Taylor and Odo-Ona conspired some special dietary supplements. also learn to ask for advice from is way too short a time to get a and organised people to monitor I do sincerely give thanks and experienced senior colleagues. drug for treating COVID-19. me, to see if I was practising give glory to God for His divine Lastly, they should give due “Drug development is a unethically, like giving injection. grace upon my life, being healthy respect to their senior colleagues, very long and highly expensive “Thank God you practised and physically fit and strong. so as to maintain the dignity and process. At best, by next year, your Pharmacy and healthcare standard of their profession.

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 42 9/29/2020 6:50:19 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }News 43 PSN-YPG wins FIP’s Best Health Promotion Campaign Award By Temitope Obayendo he Pharmaceutical Society of It added: “The campaign Nigeria Young Pharmacists should have been concluded TGroup (PSN-YPG) has clinched or assessed less than a the FIP’s Best National Health Promotion Campaign Award, with year before the time of the its 2019 Mental Health Awareness nomination.” Campaign, done in Lagos. The FIP Bureau noted This was disclosed at the that the executive committee opening ceremony of the FIP World will review nominations Congress, held virtually on 13 received based on the September, 2020, as the COVID-19 following criteria: pandemic prevented physical “The clinical, economic gathering for the annual event. and or humanistic impact The PSN-YPG Mental Health of the campaign (ideally Awareness Campaign, innovated supported by evidence, for suicide prevention promotion on for instance published in World Mental Health Day 2019, was the media, a professional adjudged the best by the FIP panel journal or preferably, in a for successfully reaching about peer –reviewed journal). 1200 residents of Surulere directly “Its format, its through volunteer interactions and comprehensiveness and also through the announcers. About articulation, the wide 200 persons were also referred to and/or education to individuals, The FIP listed other criteria participation of individual partner organisations using the groups and communities to for the award, including that, at pharmacists, and the support and flyers. empower them in adopting health least one of the organisers of the engagement of the public and other The FIP also commended the behaviours and improve their campaign must be a member of FIP stakeholders in the campaign”. PSN-YPG’s choice of location, health status. (or one of its chapters). describing it as strategic, as it targeted the Akerele community, which has a large population of youths between the ages 15 and 29. According to the WHO, suicide is the second leading cause of death among this population. Additionally, the health promotion also referred people suspected to have ongoing mental health issues to partner organisations, such as the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) and Betalife, two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in mental health advocacy and rehabilitation. Speaking at the opening ceremony on behalf of PSN-YPG, Pharm. Yinka Oguns, coordinator of PSN-YPG Lagos, said about 80 per cent of suicides occur in low and middle income countries, stressing that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds in the world, Nigeria inclusive. “Despite the staggering statistics, awareness is relatively low and mental health issues are spoken about in hushed tones. This campaign enabled pharmacists, as key players in public health, to shed more light on this issue, and we are very proud to receive this international award,” she said. Oguns revealed how a group of 40 young pharmacist volunteers, trained on managing mental health issues, worked in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Institute of Nigeria, as well as mental health advocacy and rehabilitation organisations, to execute the project. She also mentioned how the team conducted online mental health education series on the PSN- YPG Lagos social media platforms - Twitter, Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp - for seven days, from 2 to 9 October, 2019. “This was a seven-day streak of information dissemination about fundamental issues on mental health disorders - their prevalence, presentations and management. We were able to reach over 1150 people with the mental health campaign.” It will be recalled that the Bureau of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 2015 resolved to introduce a new award to be known as the Health Promotion Campaign Award, to recognise a health promotion campaign developed and run by a member organisation of FIP (or one of its chapters), stating that the award will be presented at its annual congress. It defined health promotion campaign as a structured approach aimed at providing information

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 43 9/29/2020 6:50:23 AM 44 }Community Pharmacy } Pharmanews Octoberber 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Pharmacists are unsung heroes of COVID-19 outbreak – Emereonye By Adebayo Oladejo “new normal.” n every war, those at the frontline suffer the most. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Pharmacists have been vital healthcare providers in the outbreak as they are often the first port of What areas of the call for many patients, thereby placing them among the most at risk. These were the sentiments pharmacy profession do you I think stakeholders at the expressed by Pharm. Livy-Elcon Emereonye, a community pharmacist and managing director, Letonia conference need to address? International Limited, in this interview with Pharmanews, Emereonye, a radical public health analyst It is like putting the cart with a B.Pharm from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and an MSc from the University of Lagos, before the horse. Our annual also highlights the challenges facing community pharmacy practice in Nigeria. Excerpts: conference is one of the best conferences in Nigeria and Tell us about your it has been like that, through pharmacy. What prompted tough and hard times for 92 your choice of location, and years. Also, seasoned speakers how was it at the beginning? and panelists have been chosen The name is Letonia for this one too and I am sure International Limited, located in they will do justice to this one as Agege, Lagos State. The reason well for my choice of location when . we started newly was passion What should community for service and the desire for pharmacists be doing to wealth creation. enable them contribute At the beginning, I must more to healthcare delivery, be sincere, it was not easy. In especially at this period of fact, it was very tough, to the COVID-19? extent that we could not have They have done so much more than three sachets of and they are still doing more paracetamol tablets. But as the even, at their cost and expense. going got tough, we became Community pharmacists are more creative and got going, at the forefront of the fight and the result is what we are against COVID-19 and most of seeing today. us did so without a “thank you” from anybody, including the Tell us about your government. In other words, it relationship with the people would have been worse without of this community. the community pharmacists and As a person, I value human to do more, the government at relationships very well, and as all levels should come to their a community pharmacist and aid. healthcare professional, I relate If you were not to be well with people professionally, a pharmacist, what other working always to meet their profession would you have health needs. To prevent opted for and why? disease and promote good If it is a conditional phrase! I health, we engage in regular am a very passionate pharmacist corporate social responsibility and would remain a pharmacist, (CSR) activities. We conduct though I have interest in periodic free health checks, psychology and literature, and amongst others. We hope to do Pharm. Livy-Elcon Emereonye this is why I am fully into literary more within the limits of our work. ability. indeed the people should not Comparing your only appreciate the pharmacist aspirations in the university as the most educated and with what you are doing most accessible healthcare presently, would you say professional but should go a studying Pharmacy was a step further to protect them good decision for you? from every form of danger and Yes, studying Pharmacy was attack. a very good decision. Being a What have been your pharmacist is one of the best major involvements in things that happened to me, pharmaceutical activities, and we are doing great exploits especially leadership, roles to God’s glory. in the past? There are frequent reports I started my professional of community pharmacies leadership role from the closing down or being put up university as PANS president, for sale by the owners. What at Olabisi Onabanjo University, could be causing this, and how Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and can community pharmacy it has been one activity after business be made more another from internship to date. profitable and sustainable in I have held official posts at PSN the country? state level, and also served The problem is not peculiar in her technical group, apart to community pharmacies from other roles at different alone. Business is an art and committee levels. success is in the being, not in the profession. Having said that, The theme of the 93rd PSN harsh economic realities and conference, Omoluabi 2020, tough business environments is “Technological Revolution: can lead to the closure of a Adaption in Pharmaceutical community pharmacy. Also, Manufacturing, Pharmacy personnel management is Practice and Regulation”. the greatest challenge to From your experience and entrepreneurship, especially in interactions, how apt is Nigeria. this theme, considering Community pharmacy the challenges facing the practice is lucrative and country? profitable to those who have the The theme is very apt and requisite training and business timely, bearing in mind the acumen. And to make it more threats and opportunities of sustainable, government and COVID-19 and the resultant Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 44 9/29/2020 6:50:26 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Industry News 45 COVID-19 downturn: Azoji suggests survival strategies for pharma industry - Says his vision is to move Neimeith to greater heights By Temitope Obayendo adequately financed to supply o keep the Nigerian imported medicines the medicine needs of other pharmaceutical industry if there are no quality African countries. Tafloat and committed to its locally manufactured He however warned that the obligations, despite the harsh alternative brands agreement could also be a threat economic conditions caused by in Nigeria. The to the nation, if the government the outbreak of the COVID-19 executive order to fails to empower the industry, pandemic, there are essential patronise made-in- as it could become a dumping strategies that government Nigeria goods has ground for countries to bring in and other stakeholders in the not been extended to all sorts of products. industry must adopt, Pharm. pharmaceuticals. “One of the things the Matthew Azoji, managing “The government government can do to support director/CEO, Neimeth should sign an the local manufacturing International Pharmaceuticals executive order industry is to take full advantage Plc, has said. that medicines of Africa Continental Free Trade Azoji, in an exclusive and other health Agreement (AfCTA) which was interview with Pharmanews, commodities that expected to take off in July this tasked the federal government are made in Nigeria year but due to the COVID-19 on the extension of the are on priority list of pandemic, it has been shifted to executive order to patronise purchase in Nigerian January 2021. made-in-Nigeria goods to public hospitals. “When that agreement takes pharmaceuticals, provision of low That is a way of off, it will make the Africa market interest rates loan to local pharma creating adequate to be one. That means other manufacturers, optimisation of market for local African countries can supply Africa Continental Free Trade pharmaceuticals. If medicines to Nigeria. If Nigeria Agreement (AfCTA) to boost the government is does not have the capacity to local manufacturing, as well buying from local produce competitively, it means as provision of constant power Pharm. Matthew Azoji manufacturers, this Nigeria may become a dumping supply and qualitative road ground”, he stated. networks, among others. three decades experience in will boost their capacity”, he While applauding the He noted that the Nigerian the industry, expatiated on the stressed. Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, pharma industry will be the need for government as the Azoji further elucidated for its release of 100 billion bride of its African counterparts, biggest buyer of medicines on the optimal use of the naira intervention fund for, if government can be genuinely to patronise made-in-Nigeria Africa Continental Free Trade pharmaceutical companies committed to its growth and drugs, which he said will boost Agreement (AfCTA) for the “local production”, he development, for national sales of locally-made medicines benefit of indigenous pharma reiterated the call for more of medicine security to be a reality in no small measure. companies, saying once the such funds to be provided to in the country. He said: “Being the biggest agreement is signed, the revamp the sector, adding that The Neimeth boss, who buyer of medicines, government African market will become this explains why the PMGMAN graduated with first class can deliberately make a policy centralised and the Nigerian honours in Pharmacy, with over that they will always patronise pharma industry can become continued on page 58 local products. They can only buy the commercial hub, if it is Getz Pharma reiterates Sun Pharma introduces e-SPACE for pharmacists commitment to providing By Matthew Anani s part of efforts to encourage practice and chairman, Joint quality, affordable drugs pharmacists in the country Faculty Board of the West Ato interact and share African Postgraduate College of experiences on pharmacy best Pharmacists. to Nigerians practices, Ranbaxy Nigeria Others were Dr Teresa Pounds, continued from page 25 to pour the powder in 30ml of Limited, a Sun Pharma Company, director of PGY-1 pharmacy water and drink it, and the long has introduced the maiden edition residency programme at WAMC, Nigeria, the vision was already anticipated relief will come. of e-SPACE, a virtual platform for Atlanta, USA; Dr Adekunle Tometi, there to set up factory. We are “Our gestro powder is pharmacists, in Nigeria. president and pharmacist-in- hoping that very soon we will currently called magic drug. Speaking at a two-day virtual charge of Total Pharmacy, Dallas, achieve the dream of producing And that is because as soon as symposium recently organised Texas, USA; and Dr Yovwin Edith, drugs that will be exported to the doctor prescribes it and the by the company and attended by deputy director, DRF UBTH, Benin other countries.” patient uses it, within minutes, the eminent pharmacists practising City. The Getz Pharma executive patient is okay; so it will look as if in diaspora and within the Also present at the scientific further explained that, for certain the doctor has done magic to the country, managing director of event were the National reasons, the company is not patient. Ranbaxy, Mr Hanwant Arora, told Chairperson of the Association of looking in the direction of a third “Even in antiretroviral, we are the pharmacists that e-SPACE, Community Pharmacists of Nigeria party arrangement to produce which stands for “Sun Pharma (ACPN), Pharm Samuel Adekola, drugs in Nigeria. strong. For instance, we have been Academic Event”, is part of the maw; National Chairperson of “The truth about third party supplying the Nigeria Centre for company’s contributions toward the Association of Hospital and arrangement is that those other Disease Control (NCDC) yellow the professional development of Administrative Pharmacists of factories have their limitations fever drugs for a very long time. healthcare practitioners in Nigeria. Nigeria (AHAPN), Dr Kingsley and you can’t give what you “We also have drugs for Arora assured the pharmacists Amibor; and the National don’t have. And again, if you Hepatitis B. The interesting thing that the programme will come Chairperson of the Clinical must remain a World Health is that more of those drugs are up regularly, adding that the Pharmacists Association of Nigeria Organisation’s pre-qualified still going to come. Like I said company is planning to request (CPAN), Dr Joseph Madu. organisation, there is a standard earlier, making affordable good the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Speaking at the virtual event, you must set up. This is the reason drugs available to Nigerians is (PCN) to award Mandatory the ACPN chairperson and his our priority and we will not relent Continuing Professional AHAPN colleague expressed we cannot just approach any third in doing so”, Oloruntoba said. Development (MCPD) points for appreciation to the speakers party to produce drugs for us,” The Getz Pharma product subsequent e-SPACE programmes. and to Sun Pharma for putting Oloruntoba stated. manager urged Nigerians to Some of the topics discussed together such scientific event for He equally noted that Getz take advantage of the COVID-19 at the two-days symposium pharmacists in Nigeria. Pharma has a wide range of pandemic and be innovative, included: “Pharmacy practice: Other Sun Pharma staff present products that effectively treat saying challenges are meant to Pharmaceutical care in at the event included: Pharm. cardiovascular, antiretroviral and bring out the best in people. hypertension and the role Samuel Upama, BDM Ethical South; diabetic ailments. He said: “Nigerians should of pharmacists; Antibiotics Mr Sameep Kapoor, BDM Ethical “We are strong in the know that challenges are meant stewardship in community North; Dr Ifeanyi Offor, senior cardiovascular area. We also have to come and challenges can make pharmacies; Role of clinical product manager, Ethical; as well good products in the diabetes pharmacists in critical care; and as Mr Vishal Panchal, marketing area. In the gastro area, unlike us to be stronger, innovative and Managing pharmacy supply chain manager; and Mr Rajeev Agarwal, other companies, we are the move forward better. Tough times in the COVID-19 pandemic”. group product manager, who only company with a powder. For never last. I believe the COVID-19 Speakers at the scientific joined the virtual event from India. instance, if a patient has ulcer, he period is not going to be forever, programme included Professor All the participants at the or she doesn’t need to swallow but we should learn from it and Azuka Oparah, a renowned event received a certificate of anything. All you need to do is get stronger and be innovative.” professor of clinical pharmacy attendance. 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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 45 9/29/2020 6:50:27 AM 46 Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Improving Par Excellence your personal with effectiveness as a Pharm. Tunde Oyeniran

sales manager (2) Sales. Marketing. Leadership. Management

have always been amazed and social media activities people back at times that suit at the level of interest and Email has become an essential you. Remember, it is important your purpose of communicating, Ienthusiasm in the personal part of our personal and work- to always return calls as this the mode, medium, channel, etc. effectiveness module of our life. Email, for all its good, has creates an expectation that you The rule of the thumb is to make Management Development taken control of so many people. do return calls and that you your communication “idiot- Skills courses and even during They live it and breathe it. It is are reliable in this regard. This proof”. many personal coaching time you get a grip! stops people ringing back two sessions. The core of issues for The first thing you need or three times. Network, relationship and most managers are capacity to realise is that when people Visitors to your office can empathy for speed, procrastination and send an email, they generally be good – if you want them to I am sure you have heard inability to achieve the right (not in all cases) don’t want a be there. Take control of people that more than 80 per cent of priority. Of course, it all boils reply immediately. They don’t coming in – it is not a bus stop your success depends on your down to personal effectiveness, know where you are or what after all! Try these steps: interpersonal relationship and again. you are up to; so an immediate Allocate protected time networking skills. This is more so We will continue with our reply is probably not necessary to certain people during the for sales leaders and managers discussion from the last edition. – that is what the phone is for. course of the week. This means who require and depend on There are a few things worth Take control of your email by: meeting some of your staff at others for their success, most mentioning before we proceed. allocated times in the week, of whom they have little control There is a significant * Checking it periodically Monday morning perhaps. over: customers, healthcare difference between activities rather, than have it minimised Tell people you are busy, if providers, administrators, (being busy) and being on your screen. Disable desktop they call; but give them a time gatekeeper, influencers, productive. Productivity is notification. People are easily either to come back or a time users, deciders, owners, other spending your time on value distracted by emails that come that you will come back to them. departments’ personnel, etc. adding activities that deliver in while they are in the middle Establish ground rules: You should aspire to have results. Being busy does not of something. Check it, perhaps When your door is closed the highest possible network, necessarily lead to the same four to five times per day, at times you are busy (except in an 360-degree. Manage with thing. Someone can be very of low energy, in particular. emergency), but when it is open empathy, look beyond the busy, but not that productive. * Using the rules function. you are free for a visit. formal. Make as many friends Discipline and attitude are also The rules function in most email Remove encouragements to of your subordinates as much as important. systems is easy to use. It will pre- stay – for example, move chairs possible. Personal effectiveness sort your email by name, subject, away from your desk or place means being disciplined in priority etc. as it comes into a box on them to stop people Adopt continous your approach and having the your mailbox. This minimises sitting down. improvement philosophy right attitude to work and your the number of emails in your I strongly believe you need behaviour. main inbox and can help with Effective communications to constantly take a look at prioritising emails, particularly Most people are born with yourself inwardly for personal Let’s proceed now with those from important people or the physical ability to talk, but improvement opportunities some additional tips, tools events. we must learn to speak well in your ways, style, delivery, and techniques for helping * Applying the point and communicate effectively. relationship, work ethic, skills, you to increase your personal discipline to all email. Forward Communication therefore is a etc. This is called commitment effectiveness as a manager. it, reply to it, file it or bin it. process that involves sending, to personal improvement. Minimise the amount of time receiving, and interpreting There is always room for Manage your energy you read an email by applying messages. improvement. Even the best can, We all have our levels of energy one of these four disciplines. Speaking, listening, and our and should, become better. (physical and mental), varying Remember, if there is an action ability to understand verbal and Thank you for your time from time to time during the from it, put this on your to-do list. non-verbal meanings are skills attention day. So, the first thing is to Closely rivaling email is the we develop in various ways. All Tunde Oyeniran, a Sales/ identify our personal cycle. amount of time and attention we said, communication is a learnt Marketing Strategist, Selling/ The second thing is to marry pay to social media activities. In skill. Effective communication Sales Management Trainer our daily energy-cycle with fact, it seems more pernicious in occurs only when the receiver and Personal Sales Coach is the requirements of our daily terms of the distraction it causes. interprets the message (verbal the Lead Consultant, Ekini schedule – that is, things to do. Because it is often personal, and or non-verbal) the way the White Tulip Consulting After a decent night’s sleep, sometimes a lot more addictive, sender intended. Please note Limited, Lagos. We deliver most people are at their freshest it requires more determination that the responsibility for training, recruitment and field for the first three to four hours and aggressiveness to deal effective communication is force management solutions. of any day. However, only few with. Here is a suggestion: Keep absolutely the responsibility Feedback channels: 080- people use this time effectively. your social accounts on a device of the sender. Effective 2960-6103 (SMS/WhatsApp) Some of it is eaten up getting separate form official phone communication requires /ekiniwhitetuliptraining@ ready for work, getting out of the lines/device and keep the you take into consideration gmail.com or check house and commuting to work “social media phone” far away the receivers’ experience, out https://fb.me/ (especially in cities like Lagos, from you during work or when education, culture, etc; as well as EkiniWhiteTulipConsulting Port Harcourt and Abuja). you need to fully concentrate They arrive at the workplace, on a project or assignment. complete their to-do list, have Otherwise…. a coffee, have a chat, check their emails and so on. In doing Manage distractions so, we are wasting time on low During the course of any day, energy tasks during our high we can be distracted by any 1. Subscription rate for 12 editions is N10,000, including delivery energy time – when we should number of things, for example be spending time on things that within Nigeria. phone calls and callers to the 2. Single copy costs =N=1,000.00 (without delivery) require thought, concentration office. Let’s focus on these two. and energy. Most managers have the ability 3. Payment to be made directly to Zenith Bank Plc. A/c No: Low energy times are just to filter phone calls, using voice 1010701673 before lunch and especially for mail. If so, update your voicemail 4. You can also pay through portal, simply visit: http://login.remita. the hour or so after lunch, as you message daily (this takes 20 net/remita/external/PHARMANEWS/collector/ digest your food. Plan your daily seconds) so people know that activities and tasks around your 5. After payment, text us the bank deposit slip number, your you are in the office but not full names, contact address and e-mail. energy! available. Manage the calls by calling Take control of email Call/Text Chiazor- 08134835525, Ifeoma-08057235128 Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

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spread October 2020 .indd 5 9/29/2020 6:49:01 AM 48 }Pharma IEC Review } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Pharmacy Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Series Building patients’ trust with disease and therapeutic information dissemination By Solomon Ojigbo handouts, such the information this material as package should contain include: inserts, Purpose of the drug educational medication and how it is pamphlets, expected to help his or her brochures, etc. condition. IEC How and when to take materials are the medication particularly How to store the useful in patient medication. care to inform How to recognise patients of problems caused by the important facts drug (adverse effects). about an illness What to do about or a disease, to problems caused by the remind them drug. of important When to call the lifestyle healthcare giver. choices, and help persuade Educational them to adopt Pamphlets: These materials better health help to inform patients behaviours. of important facts about This approach a disease, instruct them attempts to in performing certain change or procedures, remind them reinforce a set of of important lifestyle behaviours in a patient regarding choices, and help persuade he use of effective that 40–80 per cent of medical a specific health problem. them to adopt new health communication is information provided by Thorough understanding of behaviours. considered essential to healthcare practitioners T is forgotten immediately what people do, what prevents The contents of this providing adequate care and them from following the desired materials usually focus advice to patients. Many studies and nearly half of what is practices (“barriers”) and what on patient education, have shown that effective remembered is remembered facilitates them (“enabling including the risk factors, communication between the incorrectly. It is not surprising factors”) should be known before symptoms, treatment and the healthcare giver and the patient then that patients’ adherence to designing and using this tool in management of a disease. is one of the most important treatment recommendations for pharmacy communication. factors for quality care and chronic disease varies between Community pharmacies To be continued in next building patients’ trust. 37 and 87 per cent and only can add value to the service edition Patients who trust their 50 per cent of all prescription they provide to customers and Sources: doctors usually perceive their drugs are taken as prescribed. build relationships with them by Maria Laura Ilardo and care as better, whether or not To enable patients to disseminating information on Antonio Speciale. “The they actually see better clinical participate fully in their care, disease prevention, treatment, Community Pharmacist: outcomes. Since one of the healthcare professionals need and management. This can Perceived Barriers key roles of the pharmacist in to facilitate optimal information easily be done using IEC and Patient-Centered community pharmacy is focused exchange, using patient- materials. Some examples of Care Communication” on counselling, communication centred communication. One IEC in pharmacy communication International Journal of is essential in order to fulfil the of such tools that promote or facilitate patient-centred include: Environmental Research primary ethical duty, namely, to and Public Health (2020) protect and improve the health communication is Information, Patient Package/Drug Sofia Kälvemark of each individual patient. Education and Communication Inserts: When medicine has been Sporrong and Susanne Communication is therefore (IEC) materials. dispensed by the pharmacist, the Kaae, “Communication the key element for making the IEC materials are used to patient needs to know how to take in Pharmacy Practice” consultancy process effective. record descriptive information the drug; how to store the drug; Pharmacy - MDPI Journal With the aim of preventing, about diseases and to reiterate how it is expected to help his (2018) https://www.mdpi. protecting, and promoting the advice given by health condition; and how to recognise com/journal/pharmacy the patient’s health, the caregivers. As such, they are problems caused by the drug McGuire, L.C. pharmacist has to give clear useful extensions of spoken and what to do about them. Remembering what the and easily understandable communication. Patients are The appropriate information a doctor said: Organization information about the correct likely to forget spoken messages patient needs about a prescribed and adults’ memory for use of a drug and its possible by their healthcare givers medication can be determined by medical information. Exp. contraindications, so that the quickly and thus healthcare considering the responsibilities Aging Res. 1996, 22, 403– patient gets the maximum givers need to reinforce the he or she can assume in relation 428. [CrossRef] [PubMed] benefit from it. advice/counsel they give to patients with informative to taking the medicine. Some of Cantrell, C.R.; Priest, For example, as medication J.L.; Cook, C.L.; Fincham, experts prepare to dispense J.; Burch, S.P. Adherence to opioid prescriptions, they can Patients who trust their doctors usually perceive treatment guidelines and play a key role in contributing their care as better, whether or not they actually therapeutic regimens: A U.S. to safe opioid use among see better clinical outcomes. Since one of the key claims-based benchmark of patients by educating them on a commercial population. risks associated with opioid use roles of the pharmacist in community pharmacy Popul. Health Manag. (e.g., disposal of medication, is focused on counselling, communication is 2011, 14, 33–41. [CrossRef] the consequences of sharing essential in order to fulfil the primary ethical [PubMed] medications with another duty, namely, to protect and improve the health Brown, M.T.; Russell, person). J.K. Medication adherence: Studies on patient recall of of each individual patient. Communication WHO cares? Mayo Clin. medical information published is therefore the key element for making the Proc. 2011, 86, 304–314. in the MDPI Pharmacy Journal [CrossRef] [PubMed] 2018 and 2020 have shown consultancy process effective.

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 49 9/29/2020 6:50:35 AM 50 Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 51 9/29/2020 6:50:46 AM } 52 }Feature Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 COVID-19: Can we do more than the unimaginable attitudinal change? here are hundreds of By Stephen Daniel Davou, coronaviruses known to exist. MBA-IHM (Frk), B. Pharm (Jos) TMany are relatively harmless. and curbing the spread of the virus against littering, graffiti and These viruses were given the name and by extension the disease. spitting. As with every change, in corona, meaning crown, due to the 1992, the ban was introduced by crown-like spike on their surface Hand washing the President, Goh Chok Tong, and – according to the United States Hand washing with running there were strong opinions for and Centres for Disease Control and water and soap/potash, or with hand against the ban. Proponents of the Prevention (CDC). Coronaviruses sanitizer has been a strategy used ban were pleased to see an end to infect the nose, sinuses and upper by people and also organisations the unsightly nuisance, especially throat but often result in nothing since time immemorial to curb the those whose jobs involved more than a common cold. spread of infectious diseases and scraping gum off various surfaces. Coronaviruses are members COVID-19 is not an exception. Opponents, on the other hand, of the subfamily Coronavirinae Proper hand washing with felt that the sudden ban was too in the family Coronaviridae running water and soap for about harsh and restrictive on people’s and the order Nidovirales 20 seconds kills and removes the individual freedoms. Some of (International Committee on virus from the hands. Running water these opponents even went as far Taxonomy of Viruses). This and soap have been replaced by as ignoring the ban and venturing subfamily consists of four genera - hand sanitizers to be easily carried across the Malaysian border to Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, about as one moves, but the use Johor Bahru to get their fix. Likewise Gammacoronavirus and has only been restricted to those measures taken to encourage Deltacoronavirus - on the basis of that believe it works. hand washing are seen by many, their phylogenetic relationships The composition of hand the high and low as unnecessary and genomic structures. sanitizers varies, but it is that convey passengers on long consequently results had been journeys, or people on special Here comes the novel recommended a hand sanitizer spread of the coronavirus. coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing should not have less than 70 per programmes are encouraged to all observe social distancing when Corona Virus Disease 2019 cent of alcohol. Soap used with Social distancing (COVID-19). It is found to be in the running water in hand washing being conveyed in buses for their “Social distancing” has been trips/excursions. Astonishingly, genera Betacoronavirus. So, what can also be replaced with potash employed by many and even in makes the new SARS-CoV-2, the that has also proven to kill most cases of COVID-19 have also been disguise. This can be described recorded in all the countries, cities, virus that has caused the present germs that survive on the human as sitting, laying or standing side pandemic, such a society-altering hands. Infectious diseases, such and towns that practice social by side at a minimum distance of distancing even in the commercial threat? This SARS-COV-2 has as cholera and typhoid fever about two meters apart for a period caused a change of many things have been controlled through this vehicles. of over fifteen minutes. Coughing, sneezing, eating in the world. Virtually all sectors of measure too. Some families ban not only economies have been shut down. In their determination to in public places, or while moving siblings, but even people born on the way has been termed a Countries, inter-states, and inter- encourage hand washing among by same mother on same day (i.e. LGAs borders have been closed; physicians that believed their bad habit in many climes and twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc. organisations; and restaurants/ educational, aviation, industrial, hands were clean enough, Stephen etc.) to not sleep on same beds. A judicial, banking, and other J. Dubner, and Steven D. Levitt in eateries are in every nook and simple strategy used to encourage cranny of organised societies. institutions have been shut down; the year 2006, published the article and ensure social distancing is and worst all, many lives have “Selling Soap” on September, 24th People are advised to cough or avoiding crowded areas. Churches, sneeze into a disposable material been lost. in the New York Times magazine. mosques, meeting halls, viewing But, many people have not only The article was produced from which is disposed off immediately centres, stadia, etc. have been after use into a waste bin container refused to change their behaviours results of swabs taken from hands advised to contain not more than 50 to suit the contemporary situation, of physicians and cultured in petri with cover. persons at any time. But the areas In my village of Tahei-Gyel they have resisted any attempt to dishes. None of the physicians or perimeters of these facilities/ curtail the spread of the deadly believed the isolates from the in Jos-South LGA and as found in places have often not been taken many others too, have also made SARS-COV-2. Some are even saying swabs were taken from their into consideration. The buildings “Corona is not real”, “Corona is hands. The physicians before the efforts to imbibe the good hygiene are not of same sizes in lengths or by encouraging all food sellers, political”, or more politely, “Is this experiment had a believed their breaths; hence based on the social Corona real?” hands were clean and needed no including the “Mama Puts” in distancing rule of being two meters the village to erect Restaurants/ In the last two decades, the washing. in every direction apart from world has seen three corona Hands are used in many ways Eateries. This strategy has already people, buildings/facilities that been employed at some places viruses - SARS-CoV (the beta and, during each contact with have different areas/perimeters coronavirus that caused Severe other hands or surfaces, organisms and levels. The sale of Chewing cannot accommodate the same Gum first banned in Singapore in Acute Respiratory Syndrome, are picked or left on the surfaces. number of people. SARS), MERS-CoV (the beta corona Hand washing machines/gadgets 1992 NOT as a preventive measure Likewise, vehicles with to the Spread of the Communicable virus that caused Middle East have been placed at strategic different areas or number of seats Respiratory Syndrome, MERS), and locations at entrances/exits of Disease, Tuberculosis, but it cannot carry same number of eventually curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus organisations, buildings, even passengers/commuters to observe that caused Coronavirus Disease before the outbreak of COVID-19. disease. The chewing gum ban is social distancing. just one of several laws to improve 2019, COVID-19). All these efforts were employed The emphasis on social These viruses emerged to curb the spread of infections. the cleanliness of the island, which distancing by schools and other includes laws against littering, and caused outbreaks that have But, people still find difficulty in organisations cannot even be caused considerable global health adjusting to washing hands as and graffiti and spitting. In 1992, the ban overemphasised, as in some was introduced by the President, consternation. All three viruses when due. schools, it is a punishable offence had potential for re-emergence It is advisable to keep hands Goh Chok Tong, and there were to share beds, books, plates, strong opinions for and against the and cause severe disease, as away from the mouth, nose, and spoons, cups, or even seats. well as the potential for rapid eyes, since organisms including ban, even though chewing gum Social distancing is being with health benefits (such as dental spread, but all had different the coronavirus, if picked from practised also in the transport characteristics. The current surfaces or bodies, can easily get gum or nicotine gum and other sector, even in major towns and sugar-free options) was available pandemic has infected over three into the body when contaminated cities, such as Paris, Lagos, Abuja, million people worldwide and hands are used to touch the mouth, from Pharmacies. Singapore’s ban Soweto, London, Aberdeen, Dubai, on the sale of chewing gum is over 300,000 deaths. Therefore, all nose, or eyes. Abu Dhabi, Omori, Kamogawa, efforts should be mobilised to put The chewing gum ban in possibly the most internationally Henley on Thames, Nairobi, etc. well-known law in the world. When an end to it. Singapore is just one of several where only one passenger is laws to improve the cleanliness it first came to light in the early carried in a “taxi” or “cab.” 1990s, it was one of the main things Modes of infection and of the island, which include laws Some buses, especially those prevention that Western journalists focused on This coronavirus gains entry when writing about the city-state. into the human body through the Hands are used in many ways and, during each Saliva is sent into the air when mouth, nose, and eyes. There is no contact with other hands or surfaces, organisms chewing or talking, with some even evidence yet of entry through the dropping on bodies of people close dermal, vaginal, or anal orifices. are picked or left on the surfaces. Hand washing to the one talking or chewing. The No vaccine has been found against machines/gadgets have been placed at strategic coronavirus travels in the air for a the coronavirus. Efforts have been locations at entrances/exits of organisations, distance of about 10 feet before it on at all levels to treat/manage drops to the ground or surfaces. the disease through basically buildings, even before the outbreak of COVID-19. And the virus lives on surfaces non-pharmacological and All these efforts were employed to curb the spread for some time before it dies, if not pharmaclogical measures. But, at of infections. But, people still find difficulty in cleaned. COVID-19 is not an air present the non-pharmacological borne disease, but droplets of the measures seem the better options adjusting to washing hands as and when due. virus in the air or surfaces can be a as they are aimed at prevention source of infection to others. Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 52 9/29/2020 6:50:46 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Leadership 53 LEADERSHIP INTIATIVES FOR EXCELLENCE (LIFE) SERIES Essential ingredients of leadership excellence “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn By Prof. ‘Lere Baale more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” excellence are usually – John Quincy Adams threatened by it. You have to carefully (Continues from last edition) alignment. In my case, at our manoeuvre your way consulting firm, we established to a leadership role to Editor’s note: Our sincere three common values that served promote a culture of apologies for not concluding the us well: Character, Commitment leadership excellence. August edition of this column, and Competence. You cannot give what titled “Good leaders drive culture you don’t have. and change.” The concluding part 11. Establish the has been added below this piece. “immutables” 16. Make You’re now ready to lay down trustworthy friends 7. Use the seven most a few operational “immutables” As a leader, you important words – your leadership lines in the must surround yourself A great mentor, Mr J. K. Adesina, sand. In my case, there were four: with friends you can back in the mid ‘80s came up with Quality, Service, Leadership, and trust if you are keen on a great addition to the well-worn Accountability. We were not going leadership excellence. leadership lesson called “A Short to compromise on ANY of these No man ever achieved Course in Human Relations”, which four things. For example, one of our anything great alone. started with the six most important favourite lines that came out of this It has never happened. words (“I admit I made a mistake”), was “We will not sacrifice quality Build trust by being and ended with the one most at the altar of expediency”. That trustworthy, and cultivating a causal - that is to say, it happens important word (“we”) and the one sent the message loud and clear shrewd sense of character. Do not around you when you cultivate least important word (“I”). – and we had the leadership and allow yourself to fall into believing excellence inside yourself and live He did not think six were accountability to back it up. what you want to believe about a courageously. Do not hide from enough, and added seven more person because they are beautiful, reputation, and do not be ashamed important words: “I don’t know, 12. Set the mantra strong and talented. Be honest with to stand up and be counted; but but I’ll and out”. I would hear Great leaders need a mantra – yourself. Make trustworthy friends do not get lost in its pursuit. If you about this one all the time. He was a that is, a key phrase or sentence that and be trustworthy yourself. focus on your reputation in and of very black-and-white person, and is transferred to the lips and hearts itself, that reputation will have no you either had a correct answer or of all they lead (notice I didn’t call 17. Be relentlessly open substance to back it up. you did not; there was no guessing this a “mission statement”). In our about your intentions If you concentrate primarily on around him. company, we used this: “Working Inspire others to join with you excellence, and make reputation a He just had this uncanny way for you to provide quality service”. by the boldness and openness with secondary concern, then you will of knowing if you were unsure. It is We relentlessly pushed it, and I which you act. Do not worry about have a powerful foundation, should not a crime to not know something, believe it was a critical factor in others moving to cut off your plans. your reputation come under but it sure is if you are guessing and the exponential improvements we Your bold and decisive action will assault. Never attack the reputation you turn out wrong. He developed subsequently made. cut through such scheming, and of others. Instead, look into their a robust marketing research seize the initiative. Learn the skill hearts, and see if they pursue department to find out facts and 13. Relentlessly push three of quick and decisive action as a excellence, or something else. ensure well-informed leadership key metrics leader and you are on your road to decisions. Those words stuck with We have to measure what excellence. 20. Do not shy from attention me ever since. we manage, and while all great This is a world of indolence and Now, as a leader I am on the businesses measure a lot of 18. Always say exactly enough apathy. Many people are seduced other side of that conversation all important things, there should to be understood perfectly by the myriad of toys, games, the time. It really boils down to two always be a few that are tracked and Language is a tool. Use it. flashing lights and drama which core leadership areas – setting known to ALL teammates. We used Learn how to use it as a master surround us in the modern age. As proper expectations (you do not four – Financial Results, Customers violinist plays a violin. Its purpose such, mediocrity is commonplace. have to possess the answer for Perspectives, Operational is simple - the communication of But the potential for excellence everything, but you should have the Issues, Leadership, Learning and ideas, feelings and concepts. Use is within everyone. As such, you ability to find the answer), and trust Development. Note how these it to communicate your intentions must expect that your excellence (you do not have to fear retribution things could be tied to the values, and plans, to inspire others to will draw attention. Use it. Use that if you do not have an answer, but I the immutables, and the mantra. join with you. Just don’t talk too attention to project your excellence trust that you can find it). much for too long. You have work into the world, to inspire others. Do Remember - whenever you 14. Connect it all to employee to do. Presentation can make the not stand out just for the sake of are stumped for an answer and are happiness (and yours) difference. That is a major strength standing out, but stand out by the tempted to guess, just say the seven If we focus on all of those other in leaders like Bill Clinton and quality of your life, and the person most important words instead steps (the mantra, the metrics, the President Barack Obama, former you are. And do not hide yourself. values, etc), we’ll succeed. And presidents of the USA. Let others learn not only from your 8. Survey the landscape (and guess what? That will also make successes but from your mistakes open your ears) us happy and fulfilled. But here’s 19. Your reputation is as well. Your first three to six months on the really cool part – remember incidental the job should be more of listening my “why?” back in step one? It Good reputation is symptomatic than talking. Period. There is no was – “make a difference for my of leadership excellence, and not other way to really get a feel for teammates, my company, and your challenge and how to take it myself”. As much as it depends on on than to talk to as many people you, try to make your employees Good leaders drive as you can within the organisation happy. you lead. It’s also a show of respect culture and change that pays enormous dividends later 15. Never learn from someone in the process. threatened by excellence (Continued from August edition) emphasis from one’s personal career- Never limit yourself to achievement objectives to the greater 9. Define your battles accommodate the insecurities The path to mental toughness goals of the organisation. Unrelenting This isn’t what you think; these of others. Your goal as a leader starts with preparation. Leaders focus on making the organisation aren’t battles with people. These seeking for excellence is your own should seek out candid feedback from (and all of its members) successful colleagues and subordinates using a and paying unremitting attention to are the feelings, attitudes, and personal excellence first – and as the realities of the marketplace will concepts that you are going to have such do not curtail the development 360-degree review in order to discover blind spots that inhibit performance, produce the mental toughness needed to fight successfully to be a winning of your skills, self-confidence or secure in the knowledge that the only to make the changes required by that leader. Things like “we vs. they”, courage for anyone. really dangerous deficiencies are the marketplace. “trust vs. fear”, or “will to succeed If you are working for someone ones we refuse to confront. This is both the role and the vs. hope to survive”. Once you’ve who is threatened by excellence, Armed with that feedback, they definition of a leader who leads. done your survey, write these down you are working for the wrong should take stock of their personal A leader should must attempt to too, and discuss them with your person and it can be very frustrating. strengths and weaknesses and make ceaselessly focus on effectiveness, team. When I did this, it made a If you are learning from someone the commitment to take necessary efficiency of its organization in really big difference. who is threatened by excellence, steps to achieve personal change. addition to the adaptability of its core Executive coaching, time for reflection strategy because the only constant in you are learning the wrong lessons. the world today is change.. ` 10. Align all the values If you are learning from a man who and testing, and focused concentration will help effect those changes. There needs to be a cause that is scared of being eclipsed, you Achieving the mental toughness Leading change: What leaders everyone needs to rally around, have already eclipsed him. attributes is also made considerably must do but it must be based on common My experience shows that those easier by consciously shifting Leaders must often change the values. Take the time to do this who are not interested in leadership continued on page 59 Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 53 9/29/2020 6:50:47 AM } 54 }Pharma Engineering Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 implemented on the AHU serving the 9 cleanrooms in the aseptic area (140 m2), taking advantage of the inline continuous airborne particle counting system already foreseen.

Inside the aseptic area, 6 laminar flow units and 1 ORABS provide 35 m2 of A-grade area, with a B-grade environment of 105 m2. The SmartCR acts and regulates supply air of the B-grade environment (turbulent flow).

According to regulations, the HVAC system guarantees a differential pressure of 15 Pa between B-grade and surrounding C-grade. In addition, a differential pressure of 15-10 Pa between some rooms of the same grade has been considered to create an air pattern.

The AHU works in recirculation mode (with a fresh air portion for ventilation purposes). To supply and return the appropriate airflows and regulate and control differential pressures, the HVAC system is provided with motorized supply CASE STUDY and return dampers, as well as differential pressure transmitters and EC fans (with proportional Implementation of the SmartCR in an aseptic regulation). processing facility. Airflow reduction and Airborne Particle Counting energy savings achieved in HVAC compared to System conventional systems The number and placement of The challenge of reducing HVAC energy consumption and operation costs the particle counters was studied and defined based on a risk- without negatively affecting the quality of the finished products, ensuring analysis. Operations performed cleanrooms always conform to required specifications in each room, personnel, material and waste flows were A B S T R A C T studied, risks identified and their severity, probability and The SmartCR is an innovative flexible solution for cleanrooms that adjusts air changes which detectability assessed. reduces energy consumption and operation costs, ensuring cleanrooms always conform to required specifications. the adjustment is done through the HVAC control system, considering inline particle counters, differential pressure transmitters and temperature and relative humidity probes. The continuous airborne particle counting system is This study explains the implementation of the technology in a new aseptic processing facility. In composed of a centralized order to evaluate the energy savings reached, the different tests performed are described and the vacuum system for sample results are compared to conventional HVAC systems. Commissioning and Qualification strategy is acquisition controlled by a PLC also presented. and the 2-channel counters (0.5 It demonstrates how the new system effectively responds to the high quality demanding µm and 5.0 µm). The number pharmaceutical industry standards, ensuring the stability of the critical parameters of the controlled of particles in air samples environment at all times. is registered and saved in a database every 30 seconds. The continuous measure of particles ensures the reliability of the Background system. The SmartCR technology has been implemented in the frame of a newly constructed aseptic facility for liquid and lyophilized products, starting from Conceptual Design, followed by a Basic and Building Management System Detailed Design. The new aseptic filling and lyophilisation facility is provided with a The core of the process consists of a complete automated aseptic centralized BMS control system with all data recorded and stored filling line, provided with an automated vials washing machine in a unique database, all parameter settings are audited and all connected to a depyrogenation tunnel installed in a D grade area. configurations are GAMP V, and 21CFR Part 11 compliant. Both Sterilized and depyrogenated vials are then transferred to the the HVAC and APC PLC controllers are connected to a SCADA aseptic area, where the automatic filling machine, under laminar application with a historian database and audit license. flow is installed. Filled and stoppered vials are transported by a conveyor inside an ORABS (under laminar flow). They can be automatically introduced in one of the two freeze- dryers and/or SmartCR Functionality transported into the capping machine (also under laminar flow). Similar to conventional cleanroom HVAC systems, room temperature All high risks operations are conducted in A-grade conditions in and relative humidity are regulated by means of probes installed a B-grade background environment and manual operations have in return ducts and regulation valves for chilled and heating been minimized. water installed on the AHU coils; and room differential pressure Current European GMP Annex 1 as well as its new draft was taken is regulated by means of transmitters and motorized dampers in into consideration from the early stages, including requirements on return ducts. environmental monitoring. However, in ECO mode, the supply air is not a fixed airflow to provide a certain number of air changes per hour (ACH) as System description HVAC in aseptic area The new aseptic filling and lyophilisation facility is served by 5 air handling units (AHU) and 1 make-up air unit. The SmartCR was

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 54 9/29/2020 6:50:47 AM Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Pharma Engineering 55 recommended in guidelines and good design practices or based on experience (typically, ISPE recommendations for EU Grade B are 40-60 ACH), hereinafter referred to as Design Flow. The supply airflow varies to meet cleanroom parameters within limits: maximum admissible number of particles, differential pressures, temperature and relative humidity. For this purpose, the airborne particle counter captures are considered in airflow regulation. As a consequence, the airflow varies from the Design Flow to the Minimum Flow.1

Figure 4: Airflow evolution from Design Flow to Minimum Flow and a perturbation generating particles <5µm and driving the SmartCR to an increase of airflow

Figure 1. Airflow evolution during reduction phase and increase up to Design Flow

In ECO mode, the system can only start reducing the airflow if the following conditions are met: • HVAC & APC PLCs connected and communicating • Supply & return fans working properly • No alarms in cleanroom differential pressures • No alarms in temperature and relative humidity • No alarms in airborne particle counters and number of particles below previously established limits Figure 5: Evolution of <0,5 µm-particles measures during test shown in Figure 4

Once the cleanroom parameters are within limits, the SmartCR SmartCR Configuration starts gradually decreasing the AHU supply fan speed in controlled There are several parameters that can be configured to adapt the steps until reaching the established Minimum Flow. SmartCR to the final user needs and the particularities of each installation. This configuration takes place during the start-up and commissioning of the system. In these conditions, if a perturbation drives the cleanroom out of specifications SmartCR starts gradually increasing the AHU fan speed up to the Design Flow to return fast within the specified - Minimum Flow: it is the minimum airflow to guarantee the limits of temperature, relative humidity, differential pressure and cleanroom parameters are always inside the limits (temperature, maximum admissible number of particles. Once the cleanroom relative humidity, max. admissible number of particles and returns within the limits, the system starts reducing the AHU fan differential pressure). The user can limit the Minimum Flow. speed gradually again after an established period of time. It can be limited to comply with internal polices (for example, a minimum air change rate) or HSE requirements (ventilation). By default, it is the lowest to ensure the maintenance of the environmental conditions within the specified limits in order to obtain the maximum energy saving, but always preserving an acceptable recovery time in all cleanrooms served by the AHU.

- Max. Admissible Number of Particles: The user can limit the values established in regulations. The Maximum Admissible Number of Particles can be limited setting the ECO offsets. Default values are those set in EU GMP.

- Flow Step & 1 Stabilization Time: The Minimum Flow is established during start-up and Commissioning of the system The user can select the step of airflow reduction. Between two steps of airflow Figure 2: Airflow evolution from Design Flow to Minimum Flow and a perturbation reduction, there generated by particles <0,5µm and driving the SmartCR to an increase of airflow is a stabilization time. Dampers and airborne particle counters captures react and adjust the system. Big steps can affect differential pressure Figure 6: Airflow reduction steps stability, while very small steps can make the airflow reduction phase too slow.

- Ramp Time: When there is a perturbation driving the cleanroom out of specifications, the airflow increases up to the Design Airflow in a pre-set time called Ramp Time. An appropriate time to reach Design Flow after a perturbation ensures the stability of the system and the recovery times.

Figure 3: Evolution of < 5 µm-Particles measures during test shown in Figure 2 A balance must be found in start-up and commissioning. Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Commissioning & Qualification The results of the tests performed revealed that while the installation is working in absence of personnel the concentration of particles measured is insignificant. The maximum admissible values for 0,5 Commissioning µm and 5 µm are not a limiting factor for airflow reduction in this The start-up and commissioning of the system is performed as for case, as it is a low-particle-generation closed process. conventional systems but executing some additional specific tests for SmartCR implementation. As previously explained, a balance between flow step adjustment and stabilization time is searched to The AHU where SmartCR is implemented serves the entire B-grade define the Minimum Airflow. area, consisting of 9 cleanrooms of very different sizes and Then, the environmental conditions are observed during at least 12 geometries. The following table shows the recovery times at both hours to verify they rest within the specified limits and the stability Design and Minimum Flow: of the system. After that, the system is challenged by producing temperature and relative humidity excursions. The capacity of the system to recover room conditions is tested.

Finally, there is a phase of verification of the differential pressures stability at the Minimum Airflow, simulating production operations, opening doors, etc.

Qualification Since the supply airflow varies inside a range, a risk analysis was performed to assess if the qualification tests should be conducted at Design Flow or at Minimum Flow. Critical Quality Attributes (CQA) and the related critical material attributes (CMA) and Critical Process Parameters (CPP) were studied. Table 2: Cleanroom recovery times Differential pressures behaviour Aseptic cleanrooms work at overpressure to avoid the entry of contamination from C-grade surrounding areas. This overpressure generates leaks of air through doors and across pass-through openings for conveyors. These leaks must be compensated with additional supply airflow to keep overpressure within the established limits.

The results of the tests conducted in the installation show that this compensation of airflow is significantin small rooms. While very low values of supply air are enough for air dilution, particle removal and temperature and relative humidity control, the limiting factor for airflow reduction is the differential pressure control. Table 1: Cleanroom CQA, CPP & CMA Airflow reduction The results of the conducted tests show that the air change rate can be significantly reduced achieving very low airflows with a remarkable energy saving, always preserving the cleanroom within the specified limits at all times.

Figure 7. Ishikawa diagram showing how Critical Process Parameters / Critical Material Attributes impact on Critical Quality Attributes.

• HEPA Filters’ Integrity: Not affected by the flow. • Differential Pressure: Since the variability of the supply airflow and the return dampers reaction directly affects differential Figure 8: Comparison of Design Flow and Minimum flow values obtained in pressures, this parameter should be verified in all the airflow this particular case range (Design Airflow - Decrease to Minimum Airflow - In this particular case, the Minimum Flow has been established as Minimum Airflow - Return to Design Airflow - Design Airflow) 56% of the Design Flow. With this value, the nine cleanrooms remain • Particle Concentration at Rest: Must be verified at the worst inside the specified limits at all times. case scenario, i.e. @ Min. Flow • Air Change Rate: It is optionally measured and can be done What would have happened if that small cleanroom were not served at both airflow range limit by this AHU? Ignoring the differential pressure control in this room, the system was forced to continue reducing airflow while observing the behavior of the other eight cleanrooms: a minimum airflow of Results compared to conventional system 35% of the Design Flow was reached The system has been thoroughly tested to check the influence of the airflow reduction on the cleanroom parameters (T, HR, particles, differential pressure, recovery times…) Electrical consumption reduction Temperature and relative humidity behaviour The electrical consumption of the fans has been measured during the testing phase. Several scenarios have been considered: The tests conducted reveal that the system reacts to temperature and relative humidity excursions very fast, even at lowest airflows. The temperature and the relative humidity of the cleanroom remain - At Design Flow: in order to know the electrical consumption stable during airflow reduction and in operation at Minimum Flow in conventional mode.

Number of particles behaviour and recovery times Operators and manual activities are the main source of contamination. The dilution efficiency and air change rates are directly related to recovery time of the classified room: the higher the air change rate, the quicker the recovery. Therefore, the Minimum Flow is restricted by the user requirements during start- up: very low airflows could lead to too high recovery times. Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

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Figure 9: Average electrical consumption of AHU working in conventional mode (Fixed Supply airflows) - In ECO mode • At Minimum Flow: in order to measure the minimum electrical consumption that could be expected. Figure 11: Energy savings with SmartCR • In operating conditions, the SmartCR varies the supply airflow to keep the cleanroom within specifications, increasing the airflow to compensate perturbations. During commissioning, Finally, even if the installation was designed to work in recirculation perturbations were produced to study the behavior of the mode, the system was put in operation without air recirculation system: it was observed that the HVAC run at Minimum Flow (100% of fresh air in the system) to measure the potential even when operators entered the cleanroom to execute regular consumption savings. operations. In order to challenge the system, further tests were conducted during the start-up and SAT of the aseptic filling line, with up to 5 technicians performing tests on machines and As expected, the electrical consumption of the single-pass changing formats. configuration is higher than the one measured in recirculation mode at both Design and Minimum Flow but still reaching an electrical consumption reduction of 76- 77%

Conclusions The SmartCR is a robust HVAC system specially conceived for high quality demanding pharmaceutical industry seeking to reduce energy costs and environment impact.

Depending on the installation (geometry, configuration), the process (closed / particle generating) and the HVAC requirements (recirculation allowed / 100% fresh air- 100% exhaust air), can reach very high percentages of airflow reduction with a consequent energy saving. It ensures cleanrooms are within specifications at Figure 10: Average electrical consumption of AHU working in ECO mode. Perturbations due to filling line start-up and SAT performed in September and all times and reacts to perturbations, keeping the stability of the October. system.

The installation is fully qualified and the system is validated. This meets the latest trends in the industry in regards to quality regulations. A risk-based methodology has been applied during its entire development, implementation, commissioning and qualification.

The fan electrical reduction observed is 76%-77% with an associated expected saving in HEPA filter replacement due to clogging of at least 29%. About Telstar The Author Ana Fernández García, Pharmaceutical Technology Telstar, part of the azbil Group, is a company specialized in the development of engineering & construction projects, Manager at Telstar’s CRS Engineering, holds a MEng in integrated process equipment and GMP consultancy Industrial Engineering from the UPM (Madrid, Spain) solutions, including turnkey projects and critical installations, together with a MEng in Chemical Engineering from for companies associated with Life & Health Sciences CPE (Lyon, France). After some years working in the (pharmaceutical & biotechnology, healthcare, cosmetic, Pharmaceutical industry, Ana jointed the Engineering veterinary and food & beverage industries, hospitals, Department at Telstar in 2007, participating in and managing laboratories & research centers). Acknowledged as one a wide variety of cleanroom engineering, construction of the 10 major suppliers for the pharmaceutical industry, and turnkey projects. Since 2017, she’s in charge of the Telstar is one of the few international manufacturers able to Conceptual Designs. offer integrated process solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry with in-house sterilization, freeze drying, containment, process water & waste treatment, clean air and cold storage technologies. For further information : [email protected] www.telstar.com Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

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Improving quality of life, our top priority - Phillips Pharmaceuticals } 58 }Industry News Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 Improving quality of life, our top priority - Phillips pharmaceuticals Ranmilowo Ojalumo s part of efforts to the fields of malaria, hepatitis, consolidate its goal of people to produce. There and the nutrition segment, providing good quality are some medicines that through projects floated by A various funded project, aids, pharmaceuticals to Nigerians, are being manufactured Phillips Pharmaceuticals Nigeria in Nigeria, but there are and make them affordable to Limited has reiterated that its still a lot of medicines that Nigerians. vision is to improve quality are being imported, so “For these kinds of products, of lives in Nigeria by making there is need to increase access model is the main priority, patients’ health a top priority. local manufacturing.” with the aim of getting to the The organisation also said it He continued: last mile. The social marketing is interested in partnering with “Phillips offers a credible arm of our company handles quality local drug manufacturers platform for our principal that. This initiative impacts and by offering marketing support to partners on distribution, improves the quality of the brands, thereby developing the sales and marketing. life of Nigerians”, the Phillips Nigeria pharmaceutical market. We represent some Pharmaceuticals CEO said. Disclosing these objectives companies in Nigeria. Lending his voice to the during a chat with Pharmanews, Those companies don’t company’s mode of operation, the Chief Executive Officer of the have offices in Nigeria, the Strategic Business Unit head, company, Pharm. Mayur Khakhar but they partner with us. Pankaj Chaudhary, stated that the stated that the organisation We are the face of those company also values meeting is poised with remarkable companies. with unmet medical needs and presence across the nation “We believe in imparting medical and health and relating with customers as branding. We build education. a marketing and distribution brands. We play the role He also said Phillips works company. Pharm. Mayur Khakhar of a marketing agency assiduously to provide solutions, He added that Phillips is also Apart from a specialised and facilitate all activities for as well as educate and enlighten trying to explore partnership product range in hepatitis, all the brands, with a scientific healthcare professionals with selected local manufacturers oncology, IVF, and medical approach, that we distribute in on various ailments and so as to reduce importation of devices like Point of care Nigeria, by building the brand administration of drugs. drugs. devices, Mayur said the from the scratch and ensuring The company’s Strategic Mayur explained that company is interested in that the brand becomes popular. Business Unit Head, Kaushik enhancing patients’ health exploring the opportunity of “We have been labelled Banerjee, on his part, is the company’s topmost helping local manufacturers. and categorised as distributor commended pharmacists in the priority, noting that to achieve He pointed out that Phillips and importer, but we are also country for their indispensable this, the company tries to get will be happy to get products involved in branding and role on health care delivery in a lot of quality products from locally from manufacturers marketing exercise. We are Nigeria. different topnotch multinational of good products in Nigeria, also involved in many other Kaushik said: “Pharmacists companies across the world. saying offering quality good services, including mostly social are very important in this country. He also stated that giving products at affordable price is marketing projects. Nigerians don’t go to hospital back good value addition to his organisation’s mantra. “Under social marketing all the time. When people have the Nigerian society, as well as The CEO said, “Nigeria’s projects, our philosophy is common cold and headache, making a brand popular, is one pharmaceutical sector is to give back to the Nigerian they go to the pharmacy, get of the things the company is growing. There is huge potential society as our corporate social some drugs, use and the illness delighted in. because of the huge population; responsibility in offering quality will go. Mayur further clarified we are talking of about 200 products at access prices. “We are conscious of this and that while Phillips is not million plus people. But there “We represent companies that is why we keep community manufacturing drugs, it is is dependency on importation that are producing products for pharmacists engaged on providing value-added services in Nigeria. So with the huge the screening, diagnosis and scientific aspects regularly, so to its principal partners, which population, pharmaceutical cure of Hepatitis C, while we have that they can be well-equipped cut across globe. sector should try to be more self- the treatment and prevention and able to treat patients that These services, he said, sufficient by embarking on and of Hepatitis B with drugs and come to them, thereby putting include novel and innovative increasing local manufacturing. vaccinations,” he noted smiles on the faces of all solution to patients’ care, with a “The government should Explaining further, Nigerians. range of products that will reduce embark on reforms and Mayur said: “We provide Meanwhile, the company’s hospitalisation, as well as offer give incentives to local pharmaceutical products at Project Head, Dhananjay compliance and convenience to manufacturers. This will subsidised rates to Nigerians in Jagtap, has called on Nigerians patients, with assured wellbeing. obviously encourage a lot of to endeavour to know their Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C status, by ensuring that they get tested and treated. COVID-19 downturn: Azoji suggests He added that the organisation is currently survival strategies for pharma working closely with the Clinton Health Access Initiative on Viral industry hepatitis. company to a great company. To hypertension early in life, by According to Jagtap, hepatitis continued from page 45 attain this vision, we have set out offering free hypertension is one of the major diseases in has been clamouring for a loan a lot of milestones and I believe screening and blood sugar test Nigeria and the prevalence of of 300 billion naira to enable they will be realised. Already we and treatment. There are other hepatitis B is 8.1 per cent, which the pharma industry develop have started on a good note. Just CSR programmes offered by is almost 16 million of the total itself so that it can produce last year, we won the Pearl Award Neimeth in line with one of our population; whereas, the number competitively. for excellent performance in the core values as a company - of Nigerians that have been Having highlighted success Nigerian Stock Exchange. We focusing on the community”, he tested positive for HIV is around strategies for the industry, Azoji also won the Top 25 Business explained. 3. 6 or 4million. zero in on his vision for Neimeth, Award from Business Day, and The Neimeth boss further “So, Hepatitis B prevalence is saying his primary goal is to we are sure of others”, he stated. noted some of the company’s four times the number of HIV, as move the organisation to greater Azoji also said that being efforts in the wake of the per the NIIAS Survey in 2019,” he heights. a visionary organisation, coronavirus pandemic, to flatten said. Corporate Social Responsibility the curve, such as the provision Jagtap added: “Unfortunately, He said: “Since I came, the unlike HIV, Hepatitis B can easily Board has approved a five-year (CSR) has been one of the core of information to people in their community on personal hygiene, transmit from one person to plan and the vision of Neimeth values of Neimeth, stressing that another because it is a virus. has changed. The new vision this explains its introduction the donation of personal hygiene There is no cure for Hepatitis B statement is “To be a leading of different initiatives for the products to the Lagos State yet but there is treatment and innovative healthcare provider benefit of the people in its ministry of Health, and the launch vaccine. out of Africa” and our new immediate environment. of an awareness campaign on the “Nigerians should endeavour mission is: “To promote healthy “You would have probably prevention of the coronavirus to get tested, get vaccinated confident living”. heard about what we call disease, in partnership with the and get treated for Hepatitis B. “The new executive FITGFAH - Fight the good fight Federal Road Safety Commission People should also know that management in Neimeth met a against hypertension. That is one (FRSC) by donating public there is cure for hepatitis C now good company, but our vision of the programmes of Neimeth enlightenment kiosks. but there is no vaccine.” is to move Neimeth from a good to enable people identify

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Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 58 9/29/2020 6:50:55 AM } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 }Leadership 59 Good leaders drive culture and change

continued from page 53 In addition, any consequences of the change should be described for all are identified where operating culture of their companies. change has not been Broadly, a company’s operating culture levels of the organisation. What does the change mean for individuals, teams, successful, leaders can is “the way we doing things around attempt to understand here,” and can involve new tasks, business units, the organisation as a whole? Whenever possible, leaders the root causes of non- new roles, new processes, policies or performance without procedures, new technology, and so on. can also emphasise high principle. For example, providing safer products assigning blame. Often, changing an operating culture Leaders should own the is primarily about changing work- or higher quality is the “right thing to do” for the business but also for its own entire change process related attitudes. Regardless of its for the organisation as a exact nature, competitive businesses sake. A leader cannot effectively design whole. must be flexible, adept and quick to It is tempting make change. the future with a vision statement, without the key qualities of empathy, to believe that There are four key challenges organisational change associated with leading change. They self-confidence, courage and focus on the whole. will occur as a revolution. can be thought of as the functions of However, this is rarely leaders during change. Each function the case. Instead, requires certain qualities of character 3) Lead the implementation process organisational change in the leaders. Success or failure occurs as an evolutionary depends on how well the leadership Implementation concerns the nuts and bolts of making the change process. Leaders must team accomplishes each of the recognise that long-term following: happen. Successful implementation requires leadership at all levels of the success will require that organisation. they cycle through the 1) Evaluation of the status quo leadership functions of This aspect of leadership concerns Generally, there are two components to leading the change several times. the mandate for change. Leaders Leaders must re- another round of change processes. should strive to create “a burning implementation process. Leading an analyse the status quo, re-articulate For example, further change may platform” for change. The status quo, implementation process almost always their vision, persist in implementation, require additional resources, skill or current state of affairs, must be means going first. Fear, which is a key and continually assess results. development or communication. As carefully described and evaluated. obstacle to change, can be overcome Learning from experience is the key the organisation cycles through the Two aspects of this challenge are in the organisation when leaders have ingredient in evolutionary change. change process, it is important for conducting the diagnosis and creating the emotional mastery and courage to Lessons from one round of change can leaders to reinforce a focus on the dissatisfaction. Leaders must first go first in making their own changes. be applied to later ones. entire organisation. Leaders should diagnose the status quo and determine Leading by example is also a Leaders can build on the results find a way to humbly communicate why change is necessary. Leaders form of accountability. When leaders from their assessment in several the idea and genuine feeling that should assemble evidence in support hold themselves accountable, they are ways. For example, a coalition can be “we are all in this together,” and that of the change. This begins with the better able to demand that others are built. Some parts of the organisation implementing change is a process that leader taking stock of his or her own also accountable. Leaders must insert will achieve positive results early on. enables all of us to grow and learn role in the change. Accountability themselves into the trenches of the Those individuals can be included in together. on the part of the leader will result in change efforts. further rounds of change as examples, The success or failure of change more credibility when the leader asks Another key facet of mentors, role models and emerging efforts is indeed dependent on how for others to be held accountable. implementation is commitment. Lack leaders. successful leaders are at assessing In addition, the status quo of commitment is a major source of Also, best practices can be and reassessing how aligned and should be evaluated for the overall failure. Leaders may have the right identified and spread throughout cohesive everyone feels. There is often organisation, as well as its component plans in place but unless the followers the entire organisation. Sometimes, no choice in whether to change, but parts. In diagnosis, leaders must are committed to the plans, the change different parts of the organisation will leaders can and must listen constantly draw attention to performance, which will almost always fail. A fundamental face different obstacles, and what for obstacles and opportunities. A should be described with objective law of change management states, has worked in one part will not work leader cannot effectively assess metrics. “Leaders can impose some of the elsewhere. But learning is the means to results and sustain the change without Leaders must also create changes on all of the people, and achieving positive, sustainable change. key qualities of empathy, lack of blame, dissatisfaction with the status quo. all of the changes on some of the Leaders can also identify the needs accountability and focus on the whole. Performance metrics are also useful people. But leaders cannot impose all of the broader team as they embark on for creating dissatisfaction with of the changes on all of the people.” the status quo. A sense of urgency Rather, participation is the mother of will come from understanding how commitment. Full implementation performance will suffer if the change is possible only through carefully does not occur. It is important for planned opportunities to involve the leaders to create dissatisfaction with broader team. humility and without assigning blame. In addition, implementation is a Change is a necessary part of trial-and-error process. As changes every organisation. Everyone involved are becoming reality, new ideas about in the change effort must be how to proceed are likely to emerge. Some ideas that come from the “front- “in the same boat” and understand line” will be worth keeping. Leaders why the status quo will lead to failure. must provide opportunities for A leader cannot effectively learning, sharing ideas, and spreading evaluate the status quo, without the best practices. Managing participation key leadership qualities of humility, takes courage because leaders must focusing on the whole, and avoiding give up some control, and it involves the blame game lack of arrogance because leaders must remain open to ideas of others. 2) Designing the future you A leader cannot effectively wish through articulation of a vision execute or implement strategy without Leaders who want to drive the key qualities of emotional mastery, change must behave like an architect humility, accountability and courage. by designing and communicating a compelling vision for the future. The 4) Assess results, sustainability change process involves moving from of change Point A to Point B, from the status quo Ultimately, change efforts should to a desirable, future goal state. translate into positive results. Positive, Two components of articulating sustainable change will require that a vision are describing goals and the organisation cycles through the inspiring others. Change is destined change processes several times. to fail unless leaders can communicate Change Leaders are responsible for clearly a set of desired goal states. assessing results and determining Everyone must understand “where where the change has been successful we are going.” This includes broad and where it has not. strategic objectives and also specific, Effective leaders learn from concrete goals. experience. Objective performance Communicating should be done metrics are the most important through examples and metaphors. results for leaders to evaluate. They For example, the change process can are the “bottom-line” of change be construed as an adventure or a efforts. It is important for leaders to journey, complete with maps, speed remain objective and neutral about bumps, forks in the road, wrong performance. Leaders should assess turns, obstacles to overcome and an results without an interest in seeing attractive destination. one kind of result or another. Effective change leaders inspire Learning, which is the key to long- others to believe in their vision. Self- term success, comes from both good confidence is vital. Leaders must and bad results. When parts of the convince themselves first. Inspiring organisation where the change has others also requires empathy. Leaders been successful are identified, those are more persuasive if they understand lessons can be applied elsewhere. how their vision is perceived from When parts of the organisation different vantage points. Pharmanews App now available on Google Play store, Apple Store, Windows Store

Pharmanews October 2020 Layout .indd 59 9/29/2020 6:50:56 AM 60 }News } Pharmanews October 2020 Vol. 42 No. 10 PCN intensifies enforcement, set to close illegal storage facilities; carrying out activities that are beyond their medicine stores, unregistered pharmacies scope of operation, such as continued from back page clinical services; operating in down.” plan of the PCN to close open locations other than the approved The registrar also drug markets in the country, location for siting the shop; and revealed that, contrary Mohammed said while the setting up PPMV shops, without to the allegation made implementation of the National recourse to the guideline that by some pharmacists Drug Distribution Guidelines requires following due process, that the Council is (NDDG) is being supervised by until the shop is registered”. being insensitive to the the Federal Ministry of Health, He also listed offences that plight of pharmacists in there is need for cooperation will warrant the closure of a sealing their pharmacies among stakeholders. pharmacy to include: “Poor for minor offences, “The regulatory agencies, documentation and disposal most of the sealed that is, the PCN and NAFDAC, of poisons and substances of premises pharmacies have their statutory roles which abuse, access of unauthorised were patent medicine complement one another in the staff to the poison cupboard, shops which upgraded process of the implementation of “Register and Go”, non-display to pharmacies without the NDDG. of premises licence or lack of meeting the registration “The PCN is discussing and evidence of registration.” He requirements. providing necessary support explained that the display of He stressed that to stakeholders involved premises certificate helps the some of the deficiencies and monitoring ongoing public to identify premises that observed in these activities in the development are registered. premises actually of their approved sites. We will Speaking on the impact violate the extant laws continue to play our role until of the pandemic on the and regulations of the the full implementation of the pharmaceutical industry, which Council. Coordinated Wholesale Centre has brought about hike in prices According to is achieved. We believe that with of medicines across the country, Pharm. (Dr) Elijah Mohammed him, such violations government’s support and the he emphasised the need for Mohammed said: “During the include: “Absence of cooperation of stakeholders, concerted efforts to develop the lockdown necessitated by the a superintendent pharmacist the challenge posed by these pharma industry by encouraging pandemic, PCN could not carry on ground to supervise markets will be surmounted in research and development in out inspection and enforcement pharmaceutical activities within no distant future”, he maintained. local alternatives whilst also activities due to restriction of the premises; poor storage Mohammed further developing the local production movements. Unfortunately, the facilities, use of pharmacy refuted the allegation that the of Active Pharmaceutical period was characterised by students to stand in for agency was more lenient with Ingredients (APIs) which are raw proliferation of illegal medicine superintendent pharmacists and patent medicine dealers than materials that would feed the shops across the country. access of unauthorised staff to pharmacists, saying: “It is not industries. “However, the PCN engaged the poison cupboards.” true that PCN is more tolerant in He said this measure would with the office of the Inspector For some premises owned deploying its regulatory activities go a long way to reduce costs General of Police (IGP) by pharmacists, he said it was toward patent medicine dealers and provide medicine security, and secured official waiver discovered that some of them than pharmacists. Records of as well as employment with (pass) from the IGP to enable were working in other places enforcement activities by the improved access to quality, resumption of the enforcement while superintending their own PCN in the past five years are safe and efficacious medicine. and other regulatory activities of premises at the same time, while very clear on this.” He added that the support the PCN. So far, the PCN national others refused to display their He described some of the and provision of an enabling enforcement activities have premises licences or evidence of offences that would warrant the environment by the relevant resumed and they are being registration, as required by law. closure of a patent medicine shop authorities will also enhance the intensified to ensure that such When asked about the as follows: “Selling medicines achievement of the goal in no illegal medicine shops are closed outside the approved list; poor small measure. Pharmacy Tower is mission accomplished - Ohuabunwa continued from back page pioneer Neimeth MD reiterated the role that “the God-factor” has continued to play in every progressive affair of the pharmacy family in Nigeria, adding that the grace of God is the greatest assurance for the definite actualisation of the project. “When you know the level of grace you are carrying, you are not afraid to embark on any good project because, with God on our side, there is no limit to what we can achieve. The Pharmacy Tower project is already a success”, he said. Chairman of the Pharmacy Tower Committee, Dr John Nwaiwu, thanked all those who have continued to contribute towards the success of the project. He particularly extolled the leadership direction of the PSN president in ensuring that funds were mobilised for the project Chairman, Pharmacy Tower Committee, Dr John Nwaiwu; PSN President, Pharm. (Mazi) internally without considering Sam Ohuabunwa; and Pharm. Emeka Duru, national secretary, PSN, during the official the option of taking a loan. contract signing ceremony of the Pharmacy Tower with partners at the Pharmacy House in He affirmed the committee’s Anthony Village, Lagos. unalloyed commitment to the full project. completion of the project. apex pharmaceutical body and Pharmacy Tower Committee and The event, which ended with a On his part, Pharm. Emeka positively affect many generations Group Managing Director of closing prayer by the Secretary of Duru, national secretary of the of pharmacists to come. reals Pharmaceutical Ltd, Pharm. the PSN, Lagos Branch, Pharm. Kola PSN, expressed gratitude to Dignitaries who spoke during Ade Popoola, thanked the PSN Sunmonu, had in attendance other God for the level of passion the event included engineer for the great leadership role it distinguished pharmacists like being demonstrated by the Chuka Okoye who serves as the has continued to play in bringing Ike Onyechi, MD Alpha Pharma leadership of both the PSN and project manager, Gabriel Idahosa, the dream project to reality by and Frank Muonemeh, executive the Pharmacy Tower Committee the financial adviser, as well as ensuring that the formal signing secretary of the Pharmaceutical towards the project, adding that, Surveyor Oladapo Adebayo of ceremony was a success. He called Manufacturing Group of the it is one project that will outlive BEC Consultants. on all pharmacists to participate Manufacturers’ Association of the current leadership of the Vice Chairman of the actively towards the success of the Nigeria (PMG-MAN). Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

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Celebrating 41 Years of Uninterrupted Monthly Publication (1979-2020)

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PCN intensifies enforcement, set to close illegal medicine stores, unregistered pharmacies By Temitope Obayendo ollowing the proliferation of illegal medicine stores Farising from the temporary inability of officials of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to conduct routine national enforcement during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Council says it has renewed and intensified its operations to close all illegal medicine stores and unregistered pharmacies in the country. The PCN Registrar, Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, who made the disclosure to Pharmanews in an exclusive interview, lamented the havoc wreaked by unscrupulous businessmen during the lockdown necessitated by the pandemic. He has however assured Nigerians that the reign of charlatans is over, as the PCN is set to seal any drug store or pharmacy that fails to meet L-R: Mr Kingsley Ugwu, general manager; Pharm. Adebayo Afon,managing director and chief executive officer, up with its extant laws and Afonchies Pharmaceutical Limited; and Mrs Annie Jikeme-Milton, human resources manager, at the unvelling regulations. of Actikid Multivitamin in Lagos, recently. continued on page 60 Pharmacy Tower is mission accomplished - Ohuabunwa By Patrick Iwelunmor resident of the Pharmaceutical declaration during the recent Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mazi contract signing ceremony PSam Ohuabunwa, has said that with the project partners at the the proposed Pharmacy Tower is Pharmacy House, in Anthony already a mission accomplished, Village, Lagos. going by the level of zeal and Thanking the Tower Building determination the leadership Committee for the great job it of the apex pharmaceutical has done so far on the project, the body is deploying towards its actualisation. Ohuabunwa made this continued on page 60

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